Archbishop Gallagher in Congo-Brazzaville: The Pope loves you
The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States expresses the solidarity of Pope Francis with the Congolese people in the face of the persistent effects of natural disasters.
By Kielce Gussie
In recent days, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Mgr Paul Richard Gallagher, has been in the Republic of Congo.
A special visit
The secretary participates in the start-up of the Joint Commission for the implementation of the framework agreement. Signed in 2017 and in force since 2019, the agreement recognizes the legal status of the Church of Congo-Brazzaville and its institutions and aims to protect their independence and autonomy.
Bishop Gallagher’s itinerary in the Republic of Congo included the celebration of a Mass in the Cathedral Square dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the occasion of the Jubilee of ecclesial movements.
The president of the Episcopal Conference, Mgr Bienvenu Manamika, Archbishop of Brazzaville; the papal nuncio, Archbishop Javier Herrera Corona; and Congolese bishops were also present.
The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States also took time to meet with the Episcopal Conference and, on Tuesday, he met with the Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships.
“The Pope loves you”
In his homily, the archbishop expressed the greetings and blessings of Pope Francis as he “follows with great attention the life of the Congolese people.” He added that the Pope loves them and is “aware of your hopes and desires for peace and fraternity.”
With heavy rains and flooding last year, thousands of people have been directly affected and are in need of humanitarian assistance. Archbishop Gallagher explained that Pope Francis remains close to them in the face of this challenge.
Witnesses to the faith
The archbishop also conveyed Pope Francis’ special thanks to the Congolese people for their witness to the Gospel and their concern to build a more just and fraternal society.
“There is no shortage of witnesses to the faith,” underlined Mgr Gallagher. He notably highlighted the life of the Congolese cardinal and servant of God, Emile Biayenda, martyred in 1977.
Appointed a cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1973, his cause for beatification was opened by Pope John Paul II. The remains of Cardinal Biayenda are kept in the Brazzaville cathedral, the first stop on the archbishop’s visit.
Jubilee – an invitation to all
Archbishop Gallagher highlighted the call to action in evangelization, particularly strong in this Jubilee Year.
He challenged young people, repeating one of Pope Francis’ oft-spoken words: “Do not let hope be robbed of yourselves.” He encouraged them to look to the future with hope rather than despair.