The continent of Africa is getting a healthy dose of attention from Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope's new book, Jesus of Nazareth, has been written about quite widely in the international press, especially for what the Pontiff has said about Africa. John Allen, of the National Catholic Reporter notes that Pope Benedict has used the word, Africa, even more times than the word, sex. And that, in spite of writing an encyclical on human erotic love.

In celebration of his 80th birthday, the Pope released the book that is a meditation on the life of Jesus with an eye on the current situation in the world. In particular, he uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to discuss what is happening with his African sisters and brothers today. Benedict states that the impoverished countries of the world have been plundered and sacked and that their oppressors have brought with them a the 'cynicism of a world without God.'

On June 16th, the world celebrated The Day of the African Child to commemorate student uprisings in Soweto, South Africa in 1976.  Demanding a better quality of education, thousands of black school children took to the streets in protest. Hundreds of children were shot and more than 100 people were killed.   This day honors the memory of those killed and the courage of those who protested.  It supports the important role that children have to play in fighting injustice and bringing about change.