Pope Francis Visits Africa, Encourages Maturity and Self-Reliance in the Church

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:09:00 +0200

Pope Francis’s recent visit to Africa focused on encouraging the continent’s Catholic Church to embrace maturity and self-reliance, moving away from a reliance on Western support. Discussions highlighted the need for the African Church to develop its own resources, voices, and perspectives within the broader universal Church. The visit addressed concerns about the “crib mentality,” a reliance on external assistance that limits the Church’s potential and voice. The Pope emphasized gratitude for the contributions of past missionaries while urging a move toward autonomy and a recognition of the Church’s role in addressing local challenges and contributing to the global community. The visit also acknowledged the complexities within different African nations, including ongoing conflicts and economic disparities. A key focus was on fostering a sense of adult responsibility and contribution within the Church, ensuring its voice is heard and respected within the universal Christian community,