Vatican Meeting Signals New Chapter For Africa–Holy See Relations
Historic Vatican Audience Marks New Beginning
THE leadership of the Catholic Church in Africa has described its first official audience with Pope Leo XIV as a pivotal moment that signals a new phase in relations between the African continent and the Holy See. The meeting, held on 17 January at the Vatican, brought together senior officials of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) with the new pontiff for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the Church and society across Africa.
Speaking after the audience, SECAM President Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo said the meeting was especially significant because it marked the first formal engagement between Pope Leo XIV and the collective leadership of the African Church since his election.
First Formal Engagement Under the New Pontificate
Although Pope Leo XIV had previously encountered individual African bishops, Cardinal Ambongo explained that this audience represented the first structured dialogue with SECAM under the new papacy. The meeting had initially been scheduled for 18 December 2025, but was postponed due to the pope’s apostolic journey to Turkey.
The SECAM delegation included Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeria, First Vice President of SECAM; Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of Angola, the organisation’s Second Vice President; and Father Rafael Simbine, SECAM’s Secretary-General.
“It was really an important meeting,” Ambongo said, stressing that the encounter helped establish a clear institutional relationship between the African bishops and the new pope.
Briefing the Pope on Africa’s Pastoral Priorities
During the audience, SECAM leaders briefed Pope Leo XIV on the outcomes of their 2025 Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda. The assembly, convened just months after the pope’s election, focused on the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace.”
According to Ambongo, the theme reflected the reality of a continent grappling with persistent political instability, insecurity and humanitarian crises, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
“Africa is a continent marked by multiple crises,” he said. “This theme allowed us to reflect deeply on our pastoral mission in a context of suffering and instability.”
A Church Close to the People
Despite these challenges, the cardinal insisted that the Catholic Church in Africa remains vibrant and deeply rooted in the lives of the people. Drawing from the teachings of Pope Francis, Ambongo reiterated that the Church does not align itself with political factions but walks alongside communities enduring hardship.
He described the African Church as “dynamic” and “radiant,” recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s description of Africa as “the spiritual lung of humanity.” At the same time, he acknowledged that the Church inevitably shares in the suffering of its people, especially in areas affected by violence and displacement.
Anticipation of a Papal Visit to Africa
Ambongo also addressed growing expectations surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s expressed desire to make Africa the destination of a future apostolic journey. Such a visit, he said, would carry both pastoral and prophetic significance.
“When the pope comes to a country in crisis, it is to give hope,” the cardinal said, noting that the pope’s presence reassures people, strengthens faith and encourages perseverance amid adversity.
A Call for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Reflecting on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he serves as Archbishop of Kinshasa, Ambongo lamented the prolonged conflict in the country’s eastern regions. He criticised the prioritisation of military spending over social investment, arguing that dialogue remains the only sustainable solution.
“For more than a year, the Church has been calling for dialogue,” he said, stressing the need for inclusive talks involving the government, opposition groups and civil society to end the suffering of the Congolese people.
