Archbishop Gallagher’s visit to the Republic of the Congo reaffirms Pope Francis’ support for the local Church and its community. He celebrated a Mass dedicated to the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements and acknowledged the challenges faced by Congolese people due to recent flooding. His message emphasized hope and evangelization, highlighting the legacy of Cardinal Emile Biayenda and encouraging the youth to remain hopeful.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, has recently completed an important visit to the Republic of the Congo. This mission marks the commencement of the Joint Commission responsible for the implementation of the Framework Agreement signed in 2017. This agreement, operational since 2019, acknowledges the legal status of the Church in Congo-Brazzaville, reinforcing the protection of its independence and autonomy.
During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher celebrated a Mass at the Cathedral Square, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and recognizing the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements. This significant event saw the attendance of key figures, including Archbishop Bienvenu Manamika, the Papal Nuncio, and various Congolese bishops. The Archbishop also met with the Bishops’ Conference and held discussions with the Minister of International Cooperation and the Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships.
In his homily, the Archbishop conveyed the heartfelt blessings and greetings of Pope Francis, emphasizing that the Holy Father is deeply attuned to the life and struggles of the Congolese people, stating, “The Pope loves you.” He recognized the challenges faced by the population, particularly in light of last year’s heavy rainfall and flooding, which left many in need of humanitarian support.
Archbishop Gallagher expressed gratitude towards the Congolese for their steadfast witness to the faith and their commitment to fostering a just and fraternal society. He particularly honored the legacy of Cardinal Emile Biayenda, a martyr whose contributions to the Church are remembered with reverence, as his remains are housed in the Brazzaville Cathedral, the site of the Archbishop’s initial visit.
Furthermore, the Archbishop highlighted the significance of the Jubilee Year as an invitation for renewed commitment to evangelization, particularly encouraging young people to embrace hope and envision a promising future. He urged them not to allow despair to overshadow their aspirations, echoing the Pope’s message: “Do not let hope be stolen from you.”
The visit of Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to the Republic of the Congo underscores the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the legal status and independence of the Catholic Church in the region. The Framework Agreement, which aims to protect the Church’s autonomy, was a significant step towards establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between the government and the Church, initiated in 2017. Gallagher’s engagement highlights the Pope’s concern for social issues faced by the Congolese, emphasizing messages of hope amidst adversity.
In summary, Archbishop Gallagher’s visit to Congo-Brazzaville served to reaffirm the Vatican’s support for the local Church and its leaders. Through his homily, he conveyed Pope Francis’ love for the Congolese people and addressed their hardships, promoting resilience and hope. The recognition of past martyrs like Cardinal Emile Biayenda not only strengthens the faith community but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to remain steadfast in their beliefs and commitment to social justice.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
