Off to Africa

Cue the Zaire Rite music -- 2009's first PopeTrip will take B16 to Africa:

[In March] the pope will attend the African Episcopal Conference in Cameroon to prepare for a second African bishops' synod to take place in Rome next October, Benedict told bishops wrapping up a synod at the Vatican that began October 5.

"From there, if it pleases God, I will go to Angola to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the evangelisation of that country," Benedict added.

His first African jaunt, the visit will be the 11th overseas tour of B16's pontificate.

PHOTO: Reuters

-30-