Abbé Jean-Marie Konde Muanda

Upon his first outing on May 8, Pope Leo XIV wished peace to the entire world with the blessing urbi et orbi. After this encounter with humanity, the Holy Father began his work with Masses, speeches, and meetings. Here are his activities for the first week of his pontificate, from May 9 to 15, 2025.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a Mass Pro eligendo romano pontifice was celebrated at St. Peter's Basilica, which opens the conclave. The 133 cardinals will lock themselves in the Apostolic Palace today at 3:45 p.m. to leave after a pope is elected there.

Pope Francis has introduced 15 new nations into the Sistine Chapel. When Pope Benedict XVI bequeathed the See of Peter to Francis, fifteen states in the world had no cardinals.

The College of Cardinals that will elect the Pope is composed of 135 cardinals who have not yet reached the age of 80. However, two will not participate for health reasons.

In a cathedral packed with several civil, military and religious authorities, a mass was celebrated by Mgr Giuseppe Laterza, Apostolic Nuncio (CAR and Chad) this Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Bangui, capital of CAR. in memory of Pope Francis.

On the evening of Friday, April 25, 2025, the coffin of Pope Francis was sealed by the Camrlingen.

It was in the year 2015 when the universal Church was about to experience the extraordinary jubilee of mercy and the CAR was experiencing unimaginable violence which had created a rift between Christians and Muslims.

It was since June 29, 2022 at Saint Martha, Feeling that the twilight of his earthly life was approaching, and with a lively hope in Eternal Life, the Pope had expressed his testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial.