Pope Leo XIV has shared his first message to African Catholics in light of the 62nd Africa Day commemorations.
Monday afternoon, the Pope celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica with representatives from the African continent attached to the Holy See, as well as visiting faithful.
A few hours later, he took to his personal X and Instagram accounts to post a message addressed to Africans, written in both Kiswahili and English. His post acknowledged and praised the deep faith of the African people.
“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,” the post read.
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 XIV (@Pontifex) May 26, 2025
He followed with an English translation: “The continent of Africa gives great witness to the whole world. Thank you for living your faith in Jesus Christ. How important it is that each and every baptized person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today!”
The Pope’s message was received warmly by many, though some African Catholics used the moment to voice concerns.
In Kenya, users urged him to condemn the recent killings of two Catholic priests.
“They killed priests of the Catholic Church right here in Kenya. This is not the right time for this, Holy Father,” wrote Victor Mwangi.
Father John Maina of St. Louis Parish in Igwamiti died in hospital after being found injured by the roadside.
Father Allois Bett, from Tot Catholic Parish in Marakwet East, was shot dead on his way to celebrate Mass.
From Tanzania, one user referenced the recent attack on a prominent Catholic priest and advocate for democracy.
“Umetumia Kiswahili, tunafurahia Watanzania. Lakini hapa Tanzania hakuna demokrasia… katibu Baraza la Maasokofu Katoliki Tanzania (TEC), Padre Charles Kitima amenusurika kifo kwa kukemea vitendo viovu vya kukandamiza demokrasia Tanzania,” wrote @AmasiPeter1.
Father Charles Kitima, Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), was reportedly assaulted on April 30. He is known for his vocal support of democratic reforms and social justice.
Others took a lighter tone, inviting the Pope to visit their countries.
“Visit Uganda, a country with martyrs of faith. Uganda is a country that worships. You have visited before; please come in an official capacity. Religious tourism,” one user wrote.
Many praised the Pope’s choice to use Kiswahili, a widely spoken language in East Africa.
“Hii ni kubwa sana kwetu Wakenya, lugha yetu inazidi kupaa,” said @kaji_sijo.
According to the latest Vatican statistics, Catholicism is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else in the world. The number of Catholics on the continent rose from 272 million in 2022 to 281 million in 2023—a growth rate of nearly 20%.
Africa Day, marked annually on May 25, celebrates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union. It is a day to honor Africa’s cultural heritage, unity, and contributions to the global community.