Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called for stronger efforts to promote peace, solidarity and human development in the Sahel region of Africa, as he met members of the Board of Directors of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel at the Vatican on Saturday.
During the meeting, the Pope encouraged the Foundation to continue its mission of helping vulnerable communities facing poverty, insecurity, climate challenges and humanitarian crises across the region.
Reflecting on the meaning of peace, Pope Leo said peace should not remain only a human dream but must become a way of life rooted in faith and hope. Recalling the words of Saint Augustine, he urged Christians to spread the “radiant warmth” of peace throughout the world.
The John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel was established in 1984 by Pope John Paul II after his visit to Burkina Faso in 1980. The Foundation was created to support people living in the Sahel region of West Africa, where many communities continue to struggle with desertification, hunger, poverty and underdevelopment.
Over the years, the Foundation has supported projects related to food security, clean water, sustainable agriculture and community development in several countries of the region.
Pope Leo thanked Bishop Hassa Florent Koné for his service as Pontifical Delegate during the pontificate of Pope Francis and praised the work carried out together with Vatican offices, especially the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Pope said the Foundation is now entering “a new beginning” after forty years of service. He noted that the organisation is facing several external challenges caused by economic instability and global crises, making renewal necessary.
He referred to the Board meeting held in Dakar in February, where new statutes were approved and a new president and board members were elected. According to the Pope, these changes will help strengthen the Foundation while remaining faithful to the vision of Saint John Paul II.
Speaking about the current situation in the Sahel, Pope Leo highlighted the serious problems affecting the region, including terrorism, war, insecurity, political instability, poverty and climate related crises. He also mentioned the growing migration flows caused by these hardships.
The Pope stressed that helping people affected by natural disasters and supporting the poor is not only an act of charity but also a matter of justice.
He also encouraged continued cooperation between the Foundation and Vatican institutions to protect human dignity and promote sustainable development in the region.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo acknowledged that the Foundation’s renewed path may bring uncertainties and difficulties. However, he urged members not to lose hope and to continue working together for peace and the wellbeing of the people of the Sahel.