The 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) is currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda, drawing over 250 Catholic leaders from across the continent and beyond. The week-long gathering, which began on July 30 and is scheduled to conclude on August 4, is being held under the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.” The event brings together Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Religious men and women, and lay representatives from across Africa and its surrounding islands, alongside international partners. Now in its 20th edition, the plenary serves as a pivotal moment for reflection, renewal, and planning within the African Church.
Delegates are evaluating progress made since SECAM’s 19th Assembly, held in Accra, Ghana in 2022, while also shaping a long-term vision for the Church’s mission in Africa. A key feature of this year’s Assembly is the presentation of SECAM’s Vision 2025–2050—a strategic roadmap built around 12 foundational pillars, including evangelisation, youth engagement, family leadership, digital mission, environmental stewardship, and political responsibility. Participants are also engaging in pastoral reflection on complex cultural realities, such as the Church’s role in accompanying Catholics in polygamous unions—an issue especially relevant in many African contexts.
In addition, the Assembly’s agenda includes discussions on governance, justice and peacebuilding, climate change, interfaith dialogue, and the safeguarding of vulnerable persons within Church institutions and communities. The Assembly will also witness the unveiling of SECAM’s Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and the commencement of a leadership renewal process, in accordance with SECAM’s constitution. In a statement ahead of the Assembly, Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, Secretary General of SECAM, said the gathering is an opportunity for the Church in Africa “to respond boldly and faithfully to the signs of the times,” while deepening its commitment to unity, social justice, and evangelisation.
Founded in 1969, SECAM represents the collective voice of Catholic bishops in Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to foster collaboration among episcopal conferences and to address the spiritual, social, and developmental challenges facing the continent. As the Assembly enters its final days, observers and participants alike are hopeful that its outcomes will set a renewed course for the African Church, grounded in faith, enriched by dialogue, and committed to serving the people of the continent.
… Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo hails Pope Leo XIV’s recognition of African voices in consecrated life and interreligious dialogue
The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has issued a congratulatory message to African Prelates and Religious newly appointed to the Vatican Dicasteries for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and for Interreligious Dialogue.
The appointments, announced recently by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, have been warmly welcomed by the African Church as a significant recognition of the continent’s growing role in the global Catholic mission. Cardinal Ambongo, who also serves as Archbishop of Kinshasa, described the appointments as a “powerful acknowledgment” of the pastoral gifts and lived experience of the African Church. “These appointments have brought immense joy and encouragement to the Church in Africa,” he stated in the official SECAM communique.
“We view this expression of trust from the Supreme Pontiff as a powerful acknowledgment of your individual gifts… and the growing contribution of the African continent to the life and mission of the universal Church.” The African prelates and religious leaders appointed include:
To the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life:
• His Eminence Cristóbal Cardinal López Romero
• His Grace Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi
• His Lordship Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa
• His Lordship Auxiliary Bishop Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie
• Rev. Fr. Stanley Lubungo
To the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue:
• His Lordship Bishop Sithembele Sipuka
• His Lordship Bishop Ollo Modeste Kambou
• His Lordship Bishop Wilybard Lagho
“These appointments are a source of pride and hope for the Church in Africa,” Cardinal Ambongo emphasised. “In a time marked by both challenges and opportunities… your voices and perspectives will be of immense value.” The Cardinal also assured the appointees of SECAM’s prayerful support and fraternal solidarity, expressing confidence that they will bring “deep spiritual insight, rooted in the African ecclesial and cultural context,” to their roles in service to the Church and humanity.
The message comes at a time when the Vatican has been placing increased emphasis on regional representation in its central governance, with particular attention to Africa, Latin America, and Asia as engines of growth and spiritual vitality within the global Church. Cardinal Ambongo’s statement closed with a blessing and a prayer that the Holy Spirit would accompany and inspire the new appointees in their ministry and service to the People of God.
