The recent visit of Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu to Kigali, Rwanda, for the meeting of the Standing Committee of SECAM was of great importance both for the Church in Africa and for the promotion of unity and solidarity among the bishops of the continent. This strategic meeting was an opportunity for Cardinal Ambongo to share his vision and discuss the crucial pastoral challenges facing the Church in Africa.
During this meeting, which brought together the presidents of the regional conferences of Africa and the SECAM secretariat, discussions focused on an in-depth assessment of the situation of the Church in Africa, both socially and pastorally. The analysis of the ecclesial, security, economic and political landscape of the different regions of the continent was at the heart of the discussions, thus offering a comprehensive and detailed vision of the challenges and opportunities facing the African bishops.
The organization of the SECAM Plenary Assembly next year in Kigali was also discussed during the meeting. Cardinal Ambongo welcomed the satisfactory conditions put in place for this major event, stressing the importance of bringing together African bishops and strengthening their common mission in a spirit of mutual support.
Beyond the logistical aspect, the Cardinal highlighted the importance of ecclesial synodality in Africa, stressing that the diversity of geographical and cultural realities on the continent requires a collective and supportive approach to respond to current pastoral challenges.
The experience in Kigali was thus seen as a crucial step in strengthening collaboration and coordination among African bishops, providing a space for the exchange of ideas, the sharing of experiences and the definition of common strategies for the future of the Church in Africa.
In conclusion, Cardinal Ambongo’s visit to Kigali represented much more than a simple institutional meeting; It symbolised the commitment of African bishops to work together for the growth and flourishing of the Church in Africa, in a spirit of unity, solidarity and communion.