Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has described the Church in Africa as “a living, strong and dynamic reality,” even as it confronts deep-rooted social, political and humanitarian crises. In a message addressed to the bishops of Central Africa, the Pope acknowledged the gravity of the challenges facing the region while urging Church leaders to remain firm in their pastoral mission of reconciliation, peace and hope.
The papal message, conveyed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was issued on the occasion of the 13th General Assembly of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of the Central African Region (ACERAC). The message was formally read at the opening of the assembly by the Apostolic Nuncio to Chad, Archbishop Giuseppe Laterza.
The week-long assembly, held in Chad from January 25 to February 1, brings together bishops from Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo and Chad. The meeting is being held under the theme, “The challenges of the Church, Family of God in Central Africa: thirty years after the publication of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Africa.”
Addressing ACERAC President Bishop Martin Waïngue Bani of Chad, Pope Leo expressed his spiritual closeness to the bishops and reassured them of his “full awareness” of the dedication and pastoral zeal with which they serve the faithful entrusted to their care. He acknowledged that their ministry unfolds in a context marked by urgency and hardship, often intensified by social fragmentation and instability.
The Pope said he “never ceases to give thanks” for the bishops and for all those who work alongside them, including priests, deacons, religious men and women, and lay faithful. He praised their collective efforts to nurture faith, hope and charity, promote dialogue with other religious communities and civil authorities, safeguard human life, defend creation, and extend care to the most vulnerable especially victims of violence and conflict.
Pope Leo highlighted the importance of the bishops’ regular encounters, noting that their spirit of fraternity and open dialogue strengthens the unity and vitality of the Church. Such collaboration, he said, reinforces their shared commitment to witnessing Christ in every dimension of ecclesial and social life.
Recalling the upcoming 31st anniversary of Ecclesia in Africa in 2026, the Pope reaffirmed the document’s enduring relevance. He cited its vision of Africa as a continent experiencing “signs of the times” and a “day of salvation,” emphasizing that the Church’s mission on the continent remains as meaningful today as it was three decades ago. “The Church in Africa,” he observed, “continues to be a living, strong and dynamic reality.”
Turning to the issue of inculturation, Pope Leo cautioned against misunderstanding the concept. He stressed that inculturation does not mean reshaping the Gospel to suit the world, but rather discovering within each culture authentic ways to proclaim the unchanging Word of God a Word that gives life and upholds human dignity.
Addressing the social wounds afflicting the region, the Pope pointed to tribalism, interethnic violence, wars and family breakdowns as forces that erode social harmony. In the face of such evils, he said, the Gospel remains a call to reconciliation and the healing of hearts.
Pope Leo also reflected on the Church’s synodal path, urging pastors to walk closely with their people in a spirit of listening and compassion. He called on bishops to pay special attention to the voices of young people, many of whom risk their lives in search of dignity and better opportunities, and to encourage their active participation in both national life and the life of the Church.
Expressing concern over the growing crisis of refugees and internally displaced persons in Central Africa, the Pope urged bishops to be a visible sign of Christ’s compassion. “Be for them the Christ who bends down to their suffering,” he said, encouraging pastors to offer consolation, healing and hope to those uprooted by violence and poverty.
In closing, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the work of the bishops and their communities to the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, Star of Evangelization. He imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon the bishops and upon all who serve the Church across the Central African region, invoking strength and perseverance in their mission amid continuing trials.