Porto Novo, 23 October, 2025 / 11:20 AM
Members of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) have called on all political actors, civil society organizations, and citizens to work for peace, dialogue, and unity ahead of the country’s 2026 general elections.
In a statement issued following their October 19-22 Plenary Assembly in the Catholic Diocese of Porto Novo, the CEB members said the Church “cannot remain silent in the face of the social and political tensions already emerging ahead of the 2026 general elections.”
Citing the Second Vatican Council, they recalled that “the Church has the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel.”
They added, “The joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the people of this age are those of the followers of Christ as well.”
Making reference to the words of the late Pope Benedict XVI during his 2011 apostolic visit to Benin, CEB members said the Church “offers no technical solutions and imposes no political programs” but accompanies the State in its mission.
The Church, the Bishops said, “wishes to be like the soul of that body, tirelessly reminding it of the essential — God and man. She desires to accomplish, openly and fearlessly, her immense task: to educate, to heal, and above all, to pray unceasingly, pointing out where God is and where true humanity lies.”
“While praying for peace and the easing of political tensions, the Episcopal Conference of Benin calls upon all political actors, civil society organizations, and all citizens, men and women of goodwill, to work with all their strength for peace and national unity,” CEB members said.
They urged the people to prioritize dialogue, tolerance, and respect for constitutional law, placing the supreme interest of the nation above personal or partisan interests.
The Catholic Church leaders expressed hope that the upcoming elections will be free, transparent, and inclusive, and that they will offer an opportunity for all “to demonstrate democratic maturity and love for Benin, our beloved homeland.”
They further invited the People of God in Benin to pray for the elections to be conducted in justice, peace, truth, and fraternity.
At the conclusion of their meeting, the Catholic Bishops expressed gratitude to the People of God in Porto-Novo for their warm hospitality during their stay, and invoked “abundant divine graces and blessings” upon them.
“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us all,” they implored.
Slated for April 2026, Benin’s general elections will include municipal, legislative, and presidential votes. Presidential candidates must submit their applications by October 2025, six months before the election.
President Patrice Talon, currently serving his second and final constitutional term, has reportedly said that he does not intend to amend the constitution to seek re-election.
Benin’s Catholic Bishops have urged political leaders, opinion-makers and all Beninese citizens to commit themselves resolutely to a spirit of sincere dialogue, mutual listening and national reconciliation.
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