That's why the pope's remarks, and those of the African bishops, actually matter.

There's an African bishop waiting to see me; they just brought him here from the airport.

This time, 228 African bishops who were heads of dioceses came to the conference, up from 130 in 1988.

He was one of approximately 700 African bishops.

Where, for instance, there was then a mere handful of African bishops, there are now many hundreds.

He is expected to meet African bishops, Muslim imams, politicians and women's advocacy groups.

The story of the African bishop of the fifth century cast adrift is doubted.

He was frequently employed by the African bishops as their ambassador in the disputes that arose from that question.

Placidia had personally written to the African bishops, summoning them to the second synod.

Nearly all African bishops are now sons of Africa and they are sending out their own missionaries.