Cardinal Ambongo Calls for an “Africa of hope” at Closing of SECAM Plenary Assembly in Rwanda

He acknowledged the painful realities confronting Africa today, including “wars, terrorism, divisions, forced displacement of populations,” yet emphasized that “hope appeared to us as a force for building a new Africa… an Africa of hope.”

Credit: ACI Africa

Addressing the 13 Cardinals, 100 Archbishops and Bishops, over 200 Priests, many more Religious, and thousands of faithful, Cardinal Ambongo cautioned against the “greed for earthly possessions at the expense of others’ lives,” calling it “nothing short of idolatry.” 

Referencing the Gospel parable of the rich fool, he said, “Despite his abundance, this man was truly miserable. For it is not wealth that brings happiness. Happiness lies in the capacity to love and to be loved.”

Credit: ACI Africa

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“Our African countries are immensely rich, yet we are often not happy because we do not seek first the Kingdom of God,” the Local Ordinary of Kinshasa, who doubles as SECAM President, said.

The Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) called upon Catholics and people of goodwill to “seek first the Kingdom of Heaven,” describing it as “a Kingdom of love, justice, peace, reconciliation, and fraternity… to be built daily in our communities, societies, and Churches.”

Credit: ACI Africa

“Our present history is not closed in on itself, but is open to the Kingdom of God. That is why neither despair nor pessimism can be justified when it comes to the future of Africa,” Cardinal Ambongo said.

At Our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda, representatives of Catholic Bishops in Africa included 13 Cardinals, 100 Archbishops and Bishops, over 200 Priests, many more women and men Religious, and thousands of faithful. Credit: ACI Africa

He urged all Africans to “rise together and build an Africa of hope.”

May the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa and Our Lady of Hope, intercede for us. Amen!” Cardinal Ambongo implored.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.