Faced with Many Challenges, “Africa needs in-depth evangelization”: SECAM President

For some time now, different African countries, especially those in the Sahel region, have been facing violence induced by factors such as politics, religious conflict and tribalism and there is need for unity and reconciliation among the people.

The 75-year-old Cardinal also noted the need for "unity, solidarity and hope for Africa." 

“This is fundamental and, as Pope John Paul II says so well, the Church can only move forward by strengthening the bonds of communion among its members, starting with its pastors," he said. 

"It is truly a great challenge to be able to look in the same direction, on the same wavelength, to work together in unity and solidarity.  We could also add integral development," the Cardinal said and added, "All these challenges preoccupy us, our Church in Africa, and we try to see how together we can meet these challenges with the grace of God.”

Describing the situation in his home country of Burkina Faso as “unbearable,” the Prelate said, “we try to remain in a perspective of solidarity and in a perspective of hope that we can get out of it and we will get out of it.”

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“If we combine all our efforts, I think that the results will be convincing and together we could take up the challenge of violence and break down the walls of terrorism, of hatred and build bridges,” he said.

“The Pope says, bridges of solidarity, bridges of fraternity for a more just, more beautiful world. That is what will enable us to rise to this great challenge of violence and terrorist attacks,” the Cardinal said, citing Pope Saint John Paul II.