Pope Leo XIV praises Africa’s vibrant Church, urging Central African bishops to promote peace, unity, and faith despite ongoing crises.
Newsroom (29/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a heartfelt message to the Bishops of Central Africa, Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed his deep admiration for the vitality of the Church across the African continent, calling it a “living, strong, and dynamic reality.” Speaking through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope extended his spiritual closeness to the region’s bishops as they gathered for the 13th General Assembly of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of the Central African Region (ACERAC).
The assembly, hosted in Chad from January 25 to February 1, unites bishops from Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, and Chad. It takes place under the theme, “The challenges of the Church, Family of God in Central Africa: thirty years after the publication of Ecclesia in Africa.”
A Message of Strength and Solidarity
Addressed to ACERAC’s president, Bishop Martin Waïngue Bani of Chad, the Pope’s message recognized the intense challenges faced by Church leaders in guiding their flocks through social turmoil. “As pastors, you face urgent issues that present themselves with particular intensity in your pastoral ministry,” the Pope said, expressing gratitude for their perseverance in faith and in service.
Through Cardinal Parolin’s delivery, Pope Leo assured the bishops of his prayers and constant thanksgiving, extending his blessings not only to them but also to “the priests, collaborators, deacons, men and women religious, and lay faithful who share in your joy and responsibility as witnesses of Christ in all areas of ecclesial life.”
Faith Rooted in Hope and Service
The Pope’s message emphasized the bishops’ collective mission: to strengthen faith, foster dialogue with other faiths and authorities, and bring the Gospel to all dimensions of African life. Pope Leo praised their continued efforts to protect human life, promote justice, and defend creation, highlighting especially their compassion for those displaced by conflict.
“Your open exchanges and fraternity,” he wrote, “give strength and vitality to the common commitment to the one Church of Christ.”
Reaffirming Ecclesia in Africa
As the Church marks 31 years since the release of the post-synodal exhortation Ecclesia in Africa, Pope Leo underscored the enduring relevance of that landmark document. Quoting its affirmation that “the Lord has visited His people who are in Africa,” he noted that the continent still reflects “a favorable moment, a day of salvation.”
“The Church in Africa is indeed a living, strong, and dynamic reality,” he declared, recalling how faith continues to grow even in regions tested by instability and division.
Reconciliation Over Conflict
Pope Leo also addressed the deeper spiritual and cultural challenges confronting African societies. He urged shepherds of the Church to pursue “reconciliation and the pacification of hearts” in the face of what he termed the “evils that undermine society”—from tribalism and interethnic conflicts to wars and family divisions.
Pointing to the delicate task of inculturation, the Pope cautioned against diluting the Gospel message: “This does not mean adapting the Gospel to the world,” he reminded, “but rather finding within each culture the appropriate forms for proclaiming the Word that does not pass away.”
Listening to the People, Healing the Wounded
Echoing the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, Pope Leo called on pastors to walk closely with their people, listening “in a spirit of compassion and kindness.” He especially urged them to pay attention to the aspirations of the youth — “those who risk their lives for better conditions” — encouraging their active involvement in both civic and Church life.
Turning to those scarred by violence and displacement, he implored bishops to embody Christ’s tender care: “Be for them the Christ who bends over their painful situations in order to heal them and to give them the bread of consolation.”
Entrusting to Mary, Star of Evangelization
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the bishops and the Church across Central Africa to the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Star of Evangelization. He sent his Apostolic Blessing upon all who labor for peace, faith, and unity across the region — a reminder that even amid turmoil, the spirit of the African Church continues to burn with grace and resilience.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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