Cotonou, Benin - African artists will Friday night in Cotonou entertain Pope Benedict XVI who is visiting Benin for three days from Friday, concert Coordinator, Reverend Father Pierre Bodjoko, said here Thursday.

Initiated by Radio Vatican under the theme 'Together for reconciliation, peace and justice', the concert, offered for free to young people of all faiths, will bring together African artists, including Congolese Papa Wemba, Father Bodjoko indicated.

Benin artists like Johnny Sourou and Dona Chanvoedo will also perform at the concert, which will be broadcast live on national television.

Father Bodjoko said the event would provide pilgrims with a directory of strong words to mark the Pope's visit.

After John Paul II in 1982 and 1993, Benedict XVI will be the second pope to visit Benin after 40 years of cooperation with the Vatican.

The visit of Benedict XVI is to give African people its post-synod apostolic exhortation on the subject of the second Synod of African Bishops held in Rome, Italy, in 2009.

Pana 17/11/2011