Historic 1st Official Visit of the African Episcopal Conference to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

SECAM Leaders Meet Pope Leo XIV: A Vision of Hope Amidst African Challenges

On January 17, 2026, the Presidential Council of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) met with Pope Leo XIV in a landmark audience. The meeting served as a powerful platform for dialogue, highlighting both the vibrant growth of the Catholic Church in Africa and the complex hurdles the continent continues to face.

The Delegation and Purpose

Led by SECAM President Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (DR Congo), the delegation included:

  • Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza (Nigeria) – First Vice-President

  • Bishop José Manuel Imbamba (Angola) – Second Vice-President

  • Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior (Mozambique) – Secretary General



The council expressed their gratitude for the Pope’s "paternal concern" and presented a detailed overview of the African Church—noting its structural expansion while emphasizing the need to further "root the Gospel" into local cultures.

Navigating Challenges with Prophetic Hope

The bishops did not shy away from the harsh realities impacting the continent. They briefed the Holy Father on several critical issues:

  • Socio-Political Hurdles: Fragile governance, corruption, and insecurity.

  • Economic & Social Crises: Poverty, high youth unemployment, and irregular migration.

  • Environmental Concerns: Ongoing ecological crises affecting the region.

Despite these trials, the council reaffirmed that Africa remains a continent of hope, bolstered by its youthful demographic, vibrant spirituality, and the Church’s commitment to justice and human dignity.

Key Outcomes of the 20th Plenary Assembly

The Pope was briefed on the results of the July-August 2025 SECAM Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda. Two landmark documents were highlighted:

  1. The Vision (2025–2050): A 25-year roadmap focusing on ten priorities, including youth and women’s empowerment, digital mission, ecological care, and transparent governance.

  2. Pastoral Guidelines for Polygamy: Specific directions for the spiritual accompaniment of individuals in polygamous situations.

A Missionary Call to the World

Pope Leo XIV praised SECAM’s initiatives and encouraged the Church in Africa to embrace its missionary identity. He urged the leaders to continue sending missionaries globally, fulfilling the biblical mandate to "make disciples of all nations."

In a move that signaled deep solidarity, the Pope confirmed his upcoming pastoral visit to Angola and Cameroon in April 2026. The delegation welcomed this as a significant gesture at the beginning of his papacy.

The meeting concluded with an apostolic blessing for Africa and its islands, reinforcing a shared sense of unity and renewed purpose.

About: SCEAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar) is created in 1969 in Uganda. By creating SECAM, the Bishops of Africa and its islands want to speak with one voice and build the Catholic Church in Africa as a Family of God.

The eight Regions of SECAM are:
Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC),
Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa Region (ACERAC),
Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA/CERAO);
Assembly of the Catholic Hierarchy of Egypt (AHCE);
Regional Episcopal Conference of North Africa (CERNA);
Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA);
Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA)
Episcopal Conferences of the Indian Ocean (CEDOI).


Source: https://secam.org/secam-presidential-council-meets-pope-leo-highlighting-hope-and-challenges-of-africa/

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