SECAM MESSAGE OF FILIAL CLOSENESS AND PRAYER FOR THE HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV

MESSAGE OF FILIAL CLOSENESS AND PRAYER FOR THE HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV

Your Holiness,

Upon learning of Your Holiness’s forthcoming surgery, I wish, on behalf of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the entire People of God throughout Africa and its Islands, to express our heartfelt closeness and prayerful solidarity.

The news has naturally caused concern among the faithful across our continent. Yet, with hope and trust in God’s providence, we pray that the Lord, for You.

Your Holiness, please be assured of the filial affection and constant prayers of the Church in Africa. We entrust You to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. May she accompany You through the operation and recovery, and obtain for You renewed strength, good health, and a full and speedy recovery, so that You may continue Your Petrine ministry in the service of the universal Church.

I also invite all bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful throughout Africa and its Islands to unite in fervent prayer for the Holy Father. May our Eucharistic celebrations, personal prayers, and ecclesial communities express our communion with You. May this moment renew the Church in Africa in its love for the Successor of Peter and its commitment to pray for Your ministry.

Entrusting Your Holiness to the loving care of God, we assure You of our continued prayers and filial solidarity. May the Lord bless You, protect You, and grant You a full and speedy recovery.

Yours faithfully in Christ,

Accra, 12 October 2026

 ✠ Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo

 Archbishop of Kinshasa

 President of SECAM