Benin: The 11th Ordinary Congress of the Regional Union of Priests of West Africa (URPAO) concluded with a heartfelt appeal for peace, justice, and stronger cooperation between the Church and state authorities. Held in Cotonou, Benin, the gathering brought together clergy from across the region to address growing insecurity and reaffirm their mission of service to both the Church and society.
Under the theme “Give them something to eat yourselves” (Luke 9:13), the congress focused on the holistic well-being of the African people, highlighting the Church’s role in addressing both spiritual and social hunger. Throughout the week-long assembly, priests reflected on their pastoral responsibilities and the need to deepen their commitment to human dignity through acts of mercy.
In a solemn final communiqué read during the closing Mass at Saint Michael Parish, the priests condemned the increasing number of kidnappings and murders of pastoral workers across West Africa. They described the ongoing security crisis as “deeply alarming” and called upon heads of state to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities, especially those in high-risk areas.
"This situation demands more than words," the statement read. "It calls for coordinated, concrete actions in collaboration with governments." The priests stressed that while prayer and solidarity are essential, real change also requires practical cooperation between Church leaders and political authorities.
The congress further emphasized the importance of improving Church–state relations, stating that true synergy in addressing societal challenges can only emerge from mutual respect and peaceful dialogue. The priests called on national leaders to actively support the Church’s social mission and open avenues for collaboration aimed at building a just and compassionate society.
In an internal call to action, URPAO urged the Bishops of the sub-region to offer greater support to priestly associations and provide them with formal recognition, including a place within national Episcopal Conferences. This, they believe, would lead to better unity among clergy and enhance efforts to spiritually and socially uplift communities.
The congress also promoted closer cooperation with lay faithful, encouraging joint efforts to create a more synodal and inclusive Church. Together, clergy and laity are called to respond to the cries of people suffering from poverty, marginalization, and violence.
Presiding over the closing liturgy was Bishop Antoine Sabi Bio, who oversees clergy and seminaries in Benin. Fr. Éric Okpeitcha, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Benin, delivered a poignant homily reminding the faithful that the people of today hunger not just for food and physical necessities, but also for justice, truth, love, and the presence of God.
The 11th URPAO Congress ended with a renewed sense of mission among the region’s priests a determination to be instruments of peace and voices for the suffering, in a land yearning for healing and hope.