Vatican City: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is inviting Catholics across the country to support the Church in Africa through the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, a program that helps strengthen pastoral ministry and respond to the many challenges facing Catholic communities across the continent.
Created nearly 20 years ago, the fund was established to assist the rapidly growing Catholic Church in Africa, where many dioceses continue to struggle with poverty, conflict, limited resources, and a shortage of support for pastoral work. The bishops say the initiative allows American Catholics to stand in solidarity with African communities and contribute to projects that bring hope, strengthen faith, and improve the lives of local people.
The renewed appeal comes after Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Journey across four African countries from April 13 to 23, 2026. Inspired by the Pope's message of peace, reconciliation, and unity, the bishops are encouraging the faithful to take part in this mission by supporting the fund, which distributed 97 grants worth more than 3 million dollars during 2025.
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, who chairs the USCCB Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, said donations from Catholics in the United States support projects that promote peace, evangelization, vocations, environmental care, leadership formation, and many other important ministries. He expressed hope that support for the fund will continue to grow in response to Pope Leo's call to strengthen peace and reconciliation throughout Africa.
The archbishop also said he has personally witnessed the positive impact of the fund and assured donors that every contribution is carefully used to support meaningful pastoral work and long term development.
Many Catholic dioceses across the United States are expected to hold special collections for the Solidarity Fund during the summer months. The bishops have also made it possible for people to contribute through online giving, making it easier for Catholics to participate in supporting the Church's mission in Africa.
The bishops highlighted several projects that received support during 2025 to demonstrate how donations are making a real difference in communities facing difficult circumstances.
In Mali, where years of conflict and terrorism have deeply affected young people, a grant helped organize an intensive Bible camp for more than 200 young adults from across the country. The participants studied Gospel values and learned about the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, with a special focus on religious freedom and dialogue between different faith communities.
In Sudan, where war has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, funding supported 223 lay catechists serving in the Nuba Mountains and the Abyei region. The grant covered transportation, accommodation, meals, and educational materials for a three month training program focused on evangelization, pastoral ministry, and preparation for the sacraments. The training has strengthened the Church's ability to serve thousands of people displaced by violence in areas where there are very few priests.
Another grant addressed the growing problem of human trafficking across the Horn of Africa. Church leaders received training through regional workshops designed to raise awareness, develop prevention strategies, and prepare pastoral workers to assist victims and vulnerable communities affected by trafficking.
In Burkina Faso, where violence and economic hardship continue to challenge Church communities, funding helped diocesan staff and members of the national bishops conference develop sustainable plans to strengthen the Church's financial and administrative future. The project supports the bishops' long term goal of making dioceses more self supporting while continuing their pastoral mission.
The Central African Republic also benefited from the fund through a project led by the Marianist Sisters. Financial assistance enabled the sisters to train Gospel volunteers and provide them with bicycles, allowing them to travel to remote villages that are difficult to reach because of poor roads. The volunteers now visit thousands of families, distributing Bibles and rosaries while strengthening the Church's presence in isolated communities.
The United States bishops say these projects reflect the true purpose of the Solidarity Fund, which is to stand beside African Catholics facing hardship while supporting the Church's mission of evangelization, education, peace building, and compassionate service. They hope more Catholics will respond to Pope Leo XIV's invitation by joining this shared mission of faith and solidarity with communities across Africa.