James O'Reilly
At the Wednesday general audience, following his return from Africa, Pope Leo XIV used his weekly catechesis to recall how his third apostolic journey unfolded—a memorable, eleven-day tour through northern and central Africa.
SUMMARY OF THE WEEKLY PUBLIC CATECHESIS:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Today I would like to speak about my recent Apostolic Journey to four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. I had desired to embark on this journey since the beginning of my pontificate, and I now express my heartfelt gratitude to the Lord for granting me the occasion to meet with the people of God in Africa and confirm them in their faith
as the Successor of Saint Peter. My time there was meant to offer the world a message of peace at a moment marked by conflicts and frequent violations of international law. Along with the call for peace, I also denounced the grave injustices that exist in those countries that are so rich in natural resources, urging the international community to overcome neo-colonial attitudes and engage in authentic collaboration. At the same time, the Apostolic Journey gave people in Africa a chance to make their voices heard and to express the joy of being God’s people. In this regard, I thank the Lord for what they have given me: an immeasurable gift of faith, hope and charity, which has greatly enriched my life and ministry.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience,
particularly the groups from Ireland, Malta, Norway, Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States of America.
Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of the risen Jesus! God bless you!
