Economic Challenges for Africa in Light of Benedict XVI’s Exhortation Africae Munus

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to identify the economic component of Pope Benedict XVI’s Africae Munus exhortation of 2011, and then to relate his reflection to selected elements of contemporary economic thought. This will be done through a critical analysis of the text combined with a discussion of its diagnosis of the most important economic challenges for Africa and proposals for action in this field. The Pope, listening to the voice of the Second African Synod of 2009, treats the continent in a subjective manner, focusing on the tasks of the Church and local authorities and communities. In doing so, he appeals to the international community to respect the sovereignty of the continent and its specificity, and to beware of ideological pressures. The economic problems addressed in the document are shown from an integral perspective, having its source in Catholic social teaching.