Pope Benedict says he hopes to embrace the entire continent as he begins a week long trip to Cameroon and Angola.

He will meet with senior politicians, diplomats, church leaders and conduct open air masses.

Africa has one of the world's largest Catholic populations estimated at nearly 160 million. Nigeria is home to the world's biggest seminary and the continent supplies the church with a large percent of its priests.

However critics take issue with Catholicism's conservative stance on issues such as the use of contraception, abortion and celibacy for its priests. Also, many younger Africans prefer the more lively style of worship of, for example, newer Pentecostal churches.

Does Catholicism accommodate the needs of its African followers? What should African Catholics expect from the Pope's visit? Should the pope make political statements in Cameroon and Angola?

Religion section.