The president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has described the first official audience between Pope Leo XIV and the leadership of the Church in Africa as a “very important meeting” that marks a new phase in relations between the African continent and the Holy See.

In an interview with Vatican News following the Jan. 17 audience, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo explained that although Pope Leo XIV has previously encountered individual African bishops, the audience represented the first formal engagement with the SECAM leadership under the new pontificate.

The meeting, initially scheduled for Dec. 18, 2025, was postponed due to the pope’s apostolic trip to Turkey.

The SECAM delegation included Ambongo and SECAM First Vice President Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeria’s Diocese of Yola, Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of the Archdiocese of Saurimo in Angola, who is the second vice president of SECAM, and Father Rafael Simbine, SECAM secretary-general.

“It was really an important meeting,” Ambongo said, adding that the audience “was first to establish an official contact with the new pontiff since his election.”

He said the audience also provided an opportunity for SECAM leaders to brief the pope on the outcomes of their 2025 Plenary Assembly that was held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The assembly, which took place just months after Pope Leo XIV’s election, focused on the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace.”

According to Ambongo, the theme was chosen in response to the persistent crises affecting many African nations, particularly in the Great Lakes region.

“Africa is a continent marked by multiple crises. This theme helped us analyze in depth our mission as pastors in a continent characterized by suffering and instability,” the Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin said.

Reflecting on the condition of the Church amid Africa’s social, political, and security challenges, Ambongo insisted that the Catholic Church remains vibrant and close to the people.

Citing the late Pope Francis’ oft-repeated reminder that the Church does not belong to any political camp but stands with the people, he emphasized that African pastors continue to accompany communities enduring hardship and violence.

“The African Church is dynamic, radiant,” he said, recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s description of Africa as “the spiritual lung of humanity.”

At the same time, Ambongo acknowledged that the Church inevitably shares in the suffering of its people, particularly in conflict zones.

The SECAM president also addressed growing anticipation around Pope Leo’s expressed intention to make Africa the destination of a future apostolic journey.

Such a visit, he said, would be both pastoral and prophetic, strengthening the faith of Catholics while offering hope to societies weighed down by conflict and poverty.

“When the pope comes to a country in crisis, it is to give hope. His voice comforts the people, confirms them in their commitment, and helps them not to be discouraged,” he said.

Ambongo added: “The prophetic word of the universal Shepherd comforts the people, strengthens their commitment, and encourages them not to lose heart. Even if things are going badly today, Christian hope tells us to hold on.”

According to the cardinal, the Holy Father also helps guide people toward the pursuit of harmonious coexistence and peace, especially in African countries experiencing crises.

Weighing in on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he serves as bishop of the Kinshasa Archdiocese, Ambongo lamented the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country and its devastating impact on ordinary citizens.

He criticized the heavy investment in war and armament, saying such resources could instead be used for education, health care, and development.

“For more than a year now, the Church has been advocating dialogue. No solution will come from weapons but from sitting around a table where everyone can express their concerns,” the prelate explained.

He cited ongoing initiatives such as the Washington and Doha processes, which are steps in the right direction but remain insufficient.

The cardinal underscored the need for inclusive dialogue among the government, the opposition (armed and unarmed), and civil society in order to create the conditions for lasting peace and to bring an end to the suffering of the Congolese people. (EWTN News)

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