Pope Leo XIV has sent a message to Christian faithful in Africa in the Swahili language.
Taking to his official X account on the night of Monday, May 26, 2025, Pope Leo praised Africa’s strong Christian faith.
While thanking Africans for keeping their faith in Jesus Christ, the Pope stated that the African continent gives a big testimony to the whole world.
He also urged baptised individuals to be signs of hope in the modern world.
“Bara la Afrika linatoa ushuhuda mkubwa kwa ulimwengu mzima. Asante kwa kuishi imani yenu katika Yesu Kristo. Ni jinsi gani ilivyo muhimu kwamba kila mbatizwa ajisikie kuitwa na Mungu kuwa ishara ya matumaini katika ulimwengu wa leo,” Pope Leo stated.
Loosely translated as: “The African continent gives a big testimony to the entire world. Thank you for staying your faith in Jesus Christ. How important is it for every baptised individual to be signs of hope in the modern world?”
Pope’s African pilgrims surprise
The Pope’s remarks come just a day after pilgrims and representatives of the African continent celebrated Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
During the mass, Pope Leo XIV paid them a surprise visit and invited everyone to live our faith as a sign of hope in our world.
The mass was celebrated in the basilica for ambassadors of African nations who are accredited to the Holy See, along with several people taking part in the Jubilee pilgrimage.
At the end of the Mass, which came a day after the 62nd Africa Day, Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced appearance to greet the delegations and offer his encouragement.
The statement shared in Swahili echoes the Pope’s off-the-cuff remarks, spoken in English, at the event.
The 2025 Holy Year “inspires us all and invites us all to look for hope but also to be signs of hope. How important it is that each and every baptised person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today,” the Pope said, as quoted by Vatican News.
