By Charles Igwe
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) is set to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together key leaders of the Church across the continent to deliberate on vital issues shaping the future of Catholicism in Africa.
In a statement issued from Accra, Ghana, by Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, Secretary General of SECAM, the upcoming assembly will run under the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.” Over 250 participants—comprising Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Persons, Lay Leaders, and partners from other continents—are expected to be in attendance.
Fr. Simbine highlighted that the Kigali gathering will serve as a platform to review progress since the last plenary held in Accra in 2022, and to set a visionary course for the Church’s mission from 2025 to 2050. Central to this agenda is the unveiling of SECAM’s long-term vision document structured around twelve foundational pillars, including evangelization, family and youth leadership, environmental stewardship, digital outreach, and political engagement.
Participants will also reflect pastorally on complex cultural issues such as polygamous unions and how the Church can accompany Catholics living in such realities. Other areas of discussion will cover governance, peacebuilding, justice, interreligious dialogue, climate change, safeguarding, and the unveiling of a new Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028). Additionally, SECAM will initiate leadership renewal in line with its constitution.
For further inquiries, SECAM provided contact details for the Secretary General and its Communications Coordinators.
In a related development, the President of SECAM and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has congratulated several African prelates recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV to serve in key Vatican Dicasteries. The appointments include membership in the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
In a congratulatory message, Cardinal Ambongo described the appointments as a testament to the growing influence and relevance of the African Church within the global Catholic community.
“We view this expression of trust from the Supreme Pontiff 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,” the Cardinal stated.
Appointees to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life include:
- 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
Cardinal Ambongo assured them of SECAM’s prayerful support and solidarity, adding that their unique insights, rooted in Africa’s ecclesial and cultural contexts, will serve the universal Church and humanity at large.
“May the Holy Spirit accompany and inspire you in your service to the Church and to all humanity,” he prayed.
