African bishops have commended the emergence of Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, saying his leadership will unlock Africa’s full potential.
Mr Prevost emerged as the new leader of the Catholic church on Thursday after the announcement of the Vatican with a puff of white smoke.
The United States citizen adopted the name Pope Leo XIV immediately after he was announced.
In a statement on Sunday, the African Bishops under the aegis of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), expressed support for Pope Leo XIV in addressing the pressing needs of Africans.
The Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, who signed the statement, on behalf of the African Bishops, said they trusted that Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral wisdom and evangelical zeal would reinforce the church’s commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.
The statement noted, “The Church in Africa reaffirms its full communion and collaboration with Pope Leo XIV. We stand ready to work with him in addressing the pressing challenges facing our communities, including conflicts, poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, interreligious dialogue, and environmental stewardship. We believe his leadership will unlock Africa’s full potential, empowering our youth to become agents of positive change, inspired by the gospel.’’
