Benedict XVI Institute for Africa

UPDATED: The African Perspective of Benedict XVI's Thought
2019-11-27 - 2019-11-28 | Yaounde, Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
A Theological Conference marking the 10th Anniversary of Benedict’s visit to Africa (Cameroon and Angola), for Yaounde, Cameroon, will occur from November 27th to 29th, 2019.
Benedict’s visit was part of the unfolding of the Second Synod of the African Church that produced Africae Munus – with the focus on Justice, Peace and Reconciliation in Africa.
One of the conference goals is the production of an edited volume on the theme of The African Perspective of Benedict XVI’s Thought.
Update 11/21: Conference schedule is as follows

Joseph Ratzinger and the Future of African Theology (updated with schedule)
2019-10-17 - 2019-10-19 | Mundelein Seminary, 1000 E. Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL, 60060, United States
Conference Overview
The goal of the conference is to reflect appreciatively on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger/ Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI, and to identify particular areas where an aspect of his theology might contribute fruitfully to the future of African theological work.
October 17-19 2019 at Mundelein Seminary
Co-organized by Maurice Ashley Agbaw-Ebai and Matthew Levering
Sponsors
The Center for Scriptural Exegesis, Philosophy, and Doctrine of Saint Mary’s University of the Lake, and the Benedict XVI Institute for Africa.
Location
The University of St. Mary of the Lake is located at 1000 E. Maple Avenue in the town of Mundelein, IL, approximately four miles west of Interstate 94. The closest airport is O’Hare International Airport, which is about 28 miles south of USML.
The Purple Lot is designated for all visitor parking and is conveniently located next to the Welcome Center/Refectory, where there are plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains.
Schedule
Thursday October 17
7:00-8:15 PM KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Paulinus Odozor (University of Notre Dame): “One and the Same?: Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI and African Theologians on God and God Language in African Christian Theology”
8:30 PM Wine and Cheese Social at the Conference Center
Friday October 18
9:05-9:55 AM Paul Adaja (Loyola University Chicago): “Catholic Theology in 21st Century Africa in the Light of the primacy of the Logos in the Theology of Joseph Ratzinger”
10:05-10:55 AM Valery Akoh (STL, University of St. Mary of the Lake) and Tegha A. Nji (Jesuit School of Theology): “The African Understanding of Solidarity and the Ratzingerian Concept of Pro-Existence”
11:05-11:55 AM Mary Reginald Anibueze (Berea College): “Benedict XVI and Socio-Communitarian Eucharistic Exigencies: Impact on African and Global Catholicism”
Noon – 1 PM Lunch at the Refectory
1:05-1:55 PM Maurice Ashley Agbaw-Ebai (Boston College): “Joseph Ratzinger’s Theological Reading of Political Power: Relevance for the Continent of Africa in the 21st Century”
2:05-2:55 PM Christopher Collins SJ (St Louis University): “Joseph Ratzinger’s Confidence in Salvation History”
3 – 3:30 PM Coffee and Sodas
3:35-4:25 PM Emery de Gaal (Mundelein Seminary): “Ratzinger on Christ and In-/Enculturation”
4:35-5:25 PM Dennis Kasule (Mundelein Seminary): “Benedict XVI and the New Evangelization in Africa”
5:30 PM Conference Dinner at Local Restaurant
Saturday October 19
Breakfast at the Refectory
9:35-10:25 AM Joseph Lugalambi (Ave Maria University): “Lex Orandi Lex Credendi: Ratzinger/Benedict XVI on African Liturgy”
10:35-11:25 AM Joseph Ogbonnaya (Marquette University): “Caritas in Veritate and the Challenges to Political Economy of Africa: The Case of Nigeria”
11:35-12:25 PM Jacob Phillips (St Mary’s, England): “Ratzinger’s Interculturality in the writings of Cardinal Sarah”
12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch
2:05-2:55 PM Aaron Pidel SJ (Marquette University): “Cross-cultural Biblical Ethics: Ratzinger on the Indissolubility of Marriage”
