Following his just-concluded 11-day Apostolic pilgrimage to Africa, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, has lauded the faith and rich culture across the continent, noting that the visit has shaped his Petrine ministry.
Speaking in a video obtained by Advocatus Africa, which came at the heels of his just-concluded trip to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, the Pontiff said, “Today I would like to speak about my recent apostolic journey to four countries.”
According to Pope Leo, the people demonstrated an “immeasurable gift of faith, hope, and charity, which has greatly enriched my life and ministry.”
“The apostolic journey gave people in Africa a chance to make their voices heard.”
He also suggested that touring Africa gave people across the continent a voice to boldly express the joy of the gospel.
“At the same time, the apostolic journey gave people in Africa a chance to make their voices heard and to express the joy of being God’s people.”
Just before leaving Bamenda, Cameroon, on April 16, a little girl, an orphan who embodied the wishes and aspirations of all Africans for a better life and future, broke through security to give the Holy Father a big hug. Credit: Corazón de Paúl.
Personally addressing the people of God in Africa as “Dear brothers and sisters,” the supreme pontiff expressed appreciation for the rousing welcome he received.
“I had desired to embark on this journey since the beginning of my pontificate, and I now express my heartfelt gratitude to the Lord for granting me the occasion to meet with the people of God in Africa…I thank the Lord for what they have given me,” he maintained.
“My time there was meant to offer the world a message of peace.”
The Vicar of Christ decried the incessant conflicts that violate freedoms based on international law, calling for all to embrace peace.
“My time there was meant to offer the world a message of peace at a moment marked by conflicts and frequent violations of international law. Along with the call for peace, I also denounced the grave injustices that exist in those countries that are so rich in natural resources,” the Roman Pontiff underscored.
Pope Leo releases a dove, the symbol of peace, in crisis-ridden Bamenda, the Anglophone part of Cameroon. Credit CSN/Lola Gomez.
He also urged “the international community to overcome neo-colonial attitudes and engage in authentic collaboration.”
The 70-year-old first Pope from America used the opportunity to pray that the Lord “confirms them in their faith,” which he proclaims as “the successor of St. Peter.”
The landmark African tour from April 13-23, which focused on themes of peace, migration and interfaith dialogue, was meant to strengthen ties with the rapidly growing Catholic population across the continent.
