APARECIDA, Brazil, MAY 13, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI commemorated the abolition of slavery in Brazil with a message to the nation's citizens of African heritage.
After presiding today at the inauguration Mass of the 5th General Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pope said: "Our prayers are offered also for the Afro-Brazilian community, who this Sunday are commemorating the abolition of slavery in Brazil.
"May this celebration foster a renewed sense of missionary outreach toward this highly significant socio-cultural group in the land of the holy cross."
Slavery was abolished in the country May 13, 1888.
Code: ZE07051307
Date: 2007-05-13