Universal Church

From the DRC to Morocco, the African Catholic Church is establishing itself as a major political and diplomatic player. Between resistance to constitutional reforms and large-scale infrastructure projects, it is redefining its influence on the continent.

The Congolese Catholic Church directly accuses the government of creating a climate of terror in order to amend the Constitution and keep the president in office (p. 2). The bishops call on the population to engage in legitimate and peaceful resistance against this slide towards dictatorship (pp. 2, 4).

On June 19, 2026, Bishop Guy Mukassa Sanon presided over the institution of 59 new lectors and acolytes at the Wayalghin Major Seminary. This celebration marks a major and solemn milestone in these seminarians' journey toward the priesthood.

Koumra Cathedral hosted the priestly ordination of Father Mia Oscar by Bishop Mbaïrabé Tibingar this Saturday, June 13, 2026. This historic celebration marks the very first ordination carried out by the bishop of this Chadian diocese.

During a confirmation mass attended by 730 faithful in Lyambo, the Bishop of Butembo-Beni strongly condemned early pregnancies and cohabiting relationships. Bishop Sikuli Paluku called on young people to be patient and to undergo rigorous preparation before making any commitments.

Meeting in Kiriri, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi strongly condemned political corruption and demanded urgent institutional reforms. The bishops called for the restoration of judicial transparency to guarantee social peace.

Monsignor Juan José Aguirre announced his retirement in the privacy of his presbytery in Bangassou on his 72nd birthday. This discreet departure reflects the attitude of a servant who steps aside to allow his collaborators to continue his work of peace.

Five seminarians from the Diocese of Obala received the ministries of lector and acolyte at the Nkolbisson Seminary. Presided over by Bishop Jean Mbarga, this celebration marks a key step in their journey toward the priesthood.

In the face of massacres and the Ebola epidemic in eastern DRC, the Bishop of Butembo-Beni condemns the government's insistence on revising the Constitution. He urgently calls on leaders to prioritize the safety and dignity of civilians.

Abengourou Cathedral hosted the Mass for Bishop Boniface Ziri's 50th anniversary of priesthood on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The event highlighted the significant historical and social achievements of his sixteen years as bishop leading the diocese.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo presided over the Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Living Basic Ecclesial Communities at Kinshasa Cathedral. A moving tribute was paid to Cardinal Malula, while also highlighting the Church's challenges to young people.

During the 51st Plenary Assembly of Bishops in Yaoundé, the Apostolic Nuncio celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving following the Pope's visit. Archbishop Bettencourt strongly urged the faithful to transform their society now through concrete actions of justice and solidarity towards the most vulnerable.