Pope Speaks Out Against Corruption But Names No Name

During his recent visit to Benin, Pope Benedict XVI vigorously spoke out against corruption in Africa and the hopelessness such state of affairs may engender. However, the Pontiff named no names. He spoke about corruption as if it were an amorphous phenomenon that namelessly pervades society. Hear the Pope: "At this time, there are too many scandals and injustices, too much corruption and greed, too many errors and lies, too much violence which leads to misery and to death." However, these scandals and injustices, corruption and greed, errors and lies are perpetrated by some people, particular leaders. The Pope knows them and he must name names. These issues can be effectively addressed if names are named and the leaders responsible for such mishaps are called to account. Generalizations may be fine diplomacy but it is a weak prophetic voice. We need strong prophetic voices in Africa today. See videos of the Pope's visit here.