Luanda  – Pope Benedict XVI who is paying a three days visit to Angola since Friday, at the invitation of the head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Saturday in Luanda, condemned the accusations of children and elderly of witchcraft practices.

The Pope rejected the practice at “Sao Paulo” parish where he celebrated a mass directed to  bishops, priests, ecclesiastic officials and catechists of Angola and Sao Tomé Episcopal Conference (CEAST).

Benedict XVI said that many people fear spirits and wicked powers they believe threaten them.

" Perplexed, they even get to  the point of condemning street boys and even the  elderly as they say that they are witch" , the Pontiff said, adding that Christians shall not commit injustices if they meet Christ and  offer others the possibility of also meeting Jesus.

At the parish, where he arrived at 9:30 am and was enthusiastically applauded by thousands of faithful, the Pope defended the need for a peaceful cohabitation.

Angola was first visited by a pope in June 1992. It was Pope John Paul II, who passed away on April 2, 2005.

This is the 12º trip of 81-year old Benedict XVI, since he was elected Pope on April 19, 2005, becoming the 266the leader of the Catholic church.