SECAM: SECAM Vows to Continue with Pope Francis’ Mission of Inclusion and Service
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
As the Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis, members of Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has extended their heartfelt condolences to the entire Catholic Church and to all who were touched by his ministry and has promised to honor Pope Francis life by continuing with his mission of love, and service, striving to build a Church that is truly inclusive and a world that reflects God’s kingdom.
“As we reflect on his legacy during this time of mourning, we are reminded of the Easter promise of resurrection, a message of hope that transcends even death. We honor Pope Francis’s life by continuing his mission of love and service, striving to build a Church that is truly inclusive and a world that reflects God’s kingdom,” Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, the SECAM President, shared a eulogy on behalf of the Bishops in Africa.
In a press release shared with AMECEA Online, the Prelates noted that Pope Francis has “been more than a shepherd to the entire Church,” especially the Church in Africa, where he visited.
“Throughout his papacy, he visited Africa, taking the time to understand our realities, listen to our stories, and amplify our voices on the global stage. His visits to various countries on the continent brought hope and love to countless people and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to being a family,” reads part of the statement.
The prelates in their press release signed by Cardinal Abongo the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo, acknowledged that Pope Francis championed for the dignity of all, urging people to embrace the culture of encounter and fraternity through his writings especially the “Fratelli Tutti”.
They added that through Pope Francis’ advocacy for the care of environment and his emphasis on the importance of dialogue, they have been inspired to act in addressing the pressing issues facing communities, as the Holy Farther called on the people of God to embrace the spirit of synodality, and for the Church to walk together, listen to one another and build a more inclusive and loving community.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, his body will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, led by His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.
