The Board of Directors of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel is meeting in Dakar, Senegal, this week for its 43rd session. The gathering, which runs from February 17 to 21, focuses on ways to enhance support for communities in the Sahel region amid ongoing challenges such as armed conflicts, political instability, and natural disasters.
Established in 1984 by Pope St. John Paul II following his first Apostolic Journey to Africa in 1980, the foundation serves as a concrete expression of the Holy See’s support for the drought-affected populations of the Sahel. This region, which includes Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Chad, is among the poorest in the world.
The foundation, governed by local bishops and currently operating under the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, focuses on combating desertification, aiding drought victims, and promoting sustainable development. It supports projects in environmental protection, agriculture, water management, and renewable energy while also training technical personnel to contribute effectively to their communities. Additionally, the foundation fosters interreligious dialogue, benefiting people of different faiths.
During the session, Monsignor Roberto Campisi, Undersecretary for General Affairs of the Vatican Secretariat of State, emphasized the need for the foundation to align its initiatives with the guidelines outlined in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution *Praedicate Evangelium*, which reformed the Roman Curia. Speaking on February 18, he highlighted that the foundation must continue its mission while adapting to the increasing fragility of the region due to conflicts and natural disasters.
Campisi also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Benjamin Ndiaye of Dakar for hosting the gathering, describing it as a testament to the fraternal communion among the bishops managing the foundation. He reaffirmed Pope Francis’ continued support and underscored the importance of reflecting on the new regulations governing Vatican foundations, emphasizing that reforms should begin with an inner transformation.
Sister Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, also addressed the meeting, stressing the need to address the injustices fueling conflicts in the Sahel. Quoting Pope Francis, she called for collective efforts to combat poverty, promote integral human development, and foster peaceful coexistence.
She emphasized that the foundation’s work should not be limited to immediate aid but should seek sustainable solutions that uphold human dignity and social harmony. She expressed hope that the foundation’s initiatives would reflect universal values of justice, solidarity, and compassion while contributing to peace and social friendship in the Sahel.
The gathering in Dakar serves as a crucial opportunity for Church leaders to strengthen their commitment to building a better future for the Sahel, ensuring that development efforts not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for lasting transformation.