Reports reaching ViewPointNigeria from the Vatican indicates Pope Benedict XVI has said that he will resign on February 28. Reverend Father Federico Lombardi who is the Vatican spokesman said the ailing Pope was resigning because of advanced age. The 85 year old Pope told the College of Cardinals at the Vatican that “Strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me,”. The Pope said he will reflect and resort to prayers after his resignation. Gregory XII was the last pope to resign […]

Leading Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina has come out to say he is gay, making him one of the most high-profile Africans to do so. He made the disclosure in an article entitled: I am a homosexual, mum, coinciding with his 43rd birthday on 18 January. Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya and many other African states. His statement comes amid a fierce debate about gay rights in several African countries. Nigeria has recently passed legislation tightening restrictions on homosexual groups, while Uganda’s president has blocked a similar bill. Mr Wainaina has strongly criticised Nigeria’s anti-gay law, saying it “shames us all”.   count | 52

An Italian politician who compared the country’s first black minister to an orangutan said he would not quit as vice-president of the senate. Roberto Calderoli, who represents the anti-immigration Northern League, told parliament he did a “silly thing” and offered to send Cecile Kyenge flowers. But he said a majority of parties did not want him to step down. The senator’s slur sparked a storm of criticism from political leaders and led to calls for his resignation. He had told supporters at a weekend rally that photographs of the Congolese-born integration minister reminded him of “the features of an orangutan”. Mr Calderoli also said her success encouraged illegal migrants, and […]