SECAM: “Africa is at the Heart of Your Mission,” SECAM Welcomes Pope Leo XIV
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), on behalf of the Bishops in Africa, has extended a warm welcome to Pope Leo XIV on his first Papal visit to Africa, noting that the continent occupies a central place in his pontificate and in the universal mission of the Church.
“Your visit at the beginning of your pontificate demonstrates that the Church in Africa is at the heart of your pastoral ministry,” Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, said in a welcome message addressed to the Holy Father and shared with AMECEA Online on Tuesday, April 14.
For millions of faithful across the continent, the Papal visit is seen not only as a diplomatic courtesy but also as a deeply pastoral mission.
Cardinal Ambongo, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM. Cap), acknowledged that the Church in Africa continues to grapple with challenges, including bad governance, poverty, social inequality, conflict, corruption, and the mounting effects of climate change. Yet he highlighted that these hardships are opportunities for “renewal and transformation, resilience of African communities, the dedication of clergy and lay faithful, and the enduring power of the Gospel,” which act as sources of strength.
The SECAM president called on Pope Leo XIV to use the visit to trigger new partnerships and initiatives that would deliver concrete benefits to the poor and marginalized, while also fostering greater unity among Christian denominations across the continent.
“We eagerly await your messages of encouragement and hope,” Cardinal Ambongo wrote, and expressed the Church’s desire to see the pontificate strongly champion peace, human dignity, and meaningful dialogue between nations.
He pledged spiritual solidarity on behalf of the Church-Family of God in Africa and its Islands and unconditional support for the Pope’s ministry, entrusting the historic visit to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Africa and all the Saints.
Pope Leo XIV’s 10-day trip to four African countries: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea is from April 13-23.
