An Augustinian confrere of Pope Leo XIV discussed the pontiff\u2019s upcoming trip to four African countries.<\/p>\n
When Pope Leo XIV visits Africa for the first time as pontiff next week, Catholics and others across the continent will be watching with interest for what it reveals about the pope\u2019s agenda and priorities for their region. One of those watching will be Bishop John Niyiring of Kano, Nigeria, a fellow Augustinian and longtime friend of the pope.<\/p>\n
The pope is scheduled to visit Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent April 13\u201323.<\/p>\n
Growing conflict between African Muslims and Christians<\/p>\n
Niyiring is concerned about the state of Christian-Muslim relations in Africa, particularly in Muslim-majority countries such as Algeria.<\/p>\n
Niyiring described the situation as one of fear between the two religions. His comments on the situation echo those of several African prelates who have recently voiced concern over the plight of Christians on the continent, highlighting the struggle Christians often face to practice their faith in predominantly Muslim African countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is always that fear between Christianity and Islam,\u201d Niyiring told EWTN News. \u201cIslam is becoming a religion that is quite strong in Africa, and we Christians will have to engage with Muslim leaders. \u2026 But it is dialogue that takes that fear out. Without dialogue, people will always be suspicious and afraid of one another. I am sure that the Holy Father will say something about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Niyiring said he hopes the pope\u2019s trip also raises awareness of other issues often ignored in the West, including poverty, political corruption, and the plight of young girls in Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn many countries, perhaps in the West, nobody discusses the issues facing young girls on the streets. We see many of them on our streets [as victims of sex trafficking], and there are situations where they don\u2019t get the attention they need, especially in education,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Regarding politicians, the bishop said: \u201cIn Africa today, there are people who want to be in government, but they\u2019re hardly interested in the well-being of their people. We would like to hear Leo say more about [political corruption], encouraging our leaders to be leaders who love their people and are there to serve them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Serving with the then-Father Robert Prevost<\/p>\n
The future pope, then-Father Robert Prevost, served as prior general of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013. During this period, Prevost played a key role in helping establish a new province for the Augustinians in Nigeria, an experience that greatly enhanced the future pope\u2019s knowledge of the country and the African continent.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis trip to Nigeria in 2001 \u2014 one of several he made there \u2014 was the first canonical visit he made outside Rome as prior general. I worked closely with him after I became the provincial superior of the Augustinians in Nigeria in 2005, until I became a bishop in 2008. His presence there was crucial. There were also projects underway in Nigeria and across Africa, and he helped a lot in raising funds to build them. I brought many problems to his attention as the provincial of a young order. And he was always attentive and always emphasized the importance of finding new approaches to issues,\u201d Niyiring said.<\/p>\n
Niyiring also praised the pope\u2019s leadership style while serving the Augustinians, noting his attentiveness and calm.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has a pleasant personality. He was always attentive and always emphasized the importance of finding new approaches to issues. He encouraged us to be open to the promptings of the spirit and willing to change in situations that needed it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acest articol a fost publicat ini\u021bial de EWTN News English.<\/p>\n