Pope’s appointment of African prelates signals growing influence of Church in Africa – SECAM

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has said the appointment of African Prelates and Religious to key Vatican offices is a sign of the “growing contribution of the African continent to the life and mission of the universal Church.”

In a July 7 statement released in Accra and signed by its President, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, SECAM extended heartfelt congratulations to African prelates and religious newly appointed by Pope Leo XIV to serve in two of the Church’s most vital dicasteries — the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

“These appointments have brought immense joy and encouragement to the Church in Africa,” SECAM noted, describing the Pope’s decision as “a powerful acknowledgment of your individual gifts, pastoral experience, and the growing contribution of the African continent to the life and mission of the universal Church.”

SECAM listed the appointees to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life as; 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 and Rev. Fr. Stanley Lubungo

Appointees to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue include; His Lordship Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, His Lordship Bishop Ollo Modeste Kambou and His Lordship Bishop Wilybard Lagho

“These appointments,” SECAM added, “are a source of pride and hope for the Church in Africa.” The body expressed optimism that the newly appointed leaders will offer unique insight and spiritual depth to the global Church, especially “in a time marked by both challenges and opportunities in the areas of consecrated life and interreligious engagement.”

SECAM further expressed confidence that the African prelates would serve “in service to the People of God and the wider world,” bringing “deep spiritual insight, rooted in the African ecclesial and cultural context.”

Assuring them of solidarity and support, the statement said, “Please be assured of the prayerful support and fraternal solidarity of SECAM as you take up these important responsibilities. May the Holy Spirit accompany and inspire you in your service to the Church and to all humanity.”