Benin’s Catholic Bishops Urge Dialogue, Peace Ahead of 2026 General Elections

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.

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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.