“Pope Leo XIV Meets African Church Leaders, Pledges Support“
The Presidential Council of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on January 17, 2026, marking a significant moment of dialogue and encouragement for the Church in Afric.
The delegation was made up of Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (DR Congo), SECAM President, Bishops Stephen Dami Mamza (Nigeria) and José Manuel Imbamba, respectively first and second Vice-President, and Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior (Mozambique), Secretary General. They expressed deep gratitude for the Holy Father’s warm reception and his paternal concern for the African continent.
During the meeting, the Council presented a comprehensive picture of Africa’s realities: a Church experiencing notable growth in faith and structures, yet facing the ongoing task of rooting the Gospel more deeply in daily life and diverse cultures.
Africa remains a continent of hope
The bishops outlined pressing socio-political and economic challenges, including fragile governance systems, corruption, insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, irregular migration, and environmental crises. They reaffirmed the Church’s prophetic mission to promote justice, peace, and human dignity, while emphasizing Africa’s enduring hope grounded in its youthful population, vibrant spirituality, and rich cultural heritage.
The delegation also briefed Pope Leo XIV on the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, in July-August 2025, under the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace.” Two major documents approved at the Assembly were highlighted: The Vision of the Church, Family of God in Africa and Its Islands for the Next 25 Years (2025-2050) and the Pastoral Guidelines for the Accompaniment of Persons in Polygamous Situations. The Vision outlines ten priorities guiding evangelization, synodality, youth and women’s empowerment, justice, ecological care, digital mission, ecumenism and transparent governance.Africa’s Missionary Call
The Council thanked the Holy Father for his planned pastoral visit to Africa, in countries such as Angola and Cameroon, in April 2026, describing it as a powerful sign of solidarity at the start of his Papal ministry.
Pope Leo XIV expressed joy at meeting the African Church, praised SECAM’s initiatives, and encouraged the practical implementation of its priorities. He then urged “the Church in Africa to remain missionary, sending men and women to the world and fulfilling the Lord’s command to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28, 19-20)”.
Sources:The Presidential Council of SECAM.
