Cotonou, Benin - The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, arrived here Friday afternoon to begin a three-day visit to Benin. The Pope was accompanied on the visit by a large delegation comprising cardinals, bishops and 70 journalists.

He was welcomed at the Cotonou international airport by President Boni Yayi, the Apostolic Nuncio for Benin and Togo, Michael Blum, several religious, political and administrative figures.

The visit is part of activities marking the 150th anniversary of Benin's relationship with the Vatican.

The pontiff will Saturday meet with government officials, member of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the different religions in the country.

He is billed to visit Ouidah to pray at the tomb of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin and meet with priests, seminarians, religious and lay faithful in the Grand Seminary of St. Gallen.

The Pope will then travel to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Ouidah for the signing of the post synodal apostolic exhortation and will visit children of the 'Paix et Joie des missionnaires de la Charité' at the St. Rita’s parish of Cotonou.

On Sunday, he will celebrate a Mass at the Cotonou’s  Stade de l’Amitié and deliver the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation to African Bishops.

The papal visit will end on Sunday.

Pana 19/11/2011