Rome – Pope Leo XIV knows Africa well. In recent years he visited several African countries as a bishop’s cardinal battle and before that, mainly in his ability as a former general of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA). His last visit to Kenya was in 2024. On that occasion he presided on December 10, 2024, the dedication of the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Advisors at Augustine’s Monastery in Karen (Nairobi County).
In his speech, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevast at the time emphasized the importance of God’s Word and the need for faithful men to remain in his presence.
I hope you all know the great expectations placed on the Church and the Order, and that the Spirit of the Lord will continue to fulfill everyone faithfully and to continue this great path that we all have embarked on,” he asserted.
Future Pope Leo XIV also used the opportunity to recall his visit to Kenya several times and recently visited the country in 2011.
The appeal of peace that the newly elected Pope made in his speech to the faithful from the Loggia del Benedictioni was welcomed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “It is a joy to hear the Pope’s first words. It reflects the need for peace in the world. And for our Congolese people, this message should comfort us,” in a message of blessing to Donatiennshole, Pope Leo XIV.
“He continues to speak Pope Francis’ language and hopes to pay special attention to building lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Marie Fabian Lahari Lamboniaina, chairman of the Bishops’ Madagascar Conference and the Conference of Bishops of Morondaba, emphasized that Pope Leo XIV’s first words were “peace with you.”
