Pope Leo XIV Calls SACBC to Build on Missionary Legacy
Johannesburg, 26 January 2026 — In a passionate address to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Pope Leo XIV urged bishops across Southern Africa to preserve and advance the heritage of the region’s earliest missionaries. The pope underscored that the zeal and commitment of those who first carried the Catholic faith to Southern Africa must guide contemporary ministry, formation, and social outreach.
A Call to Sustain and Expand Missionary Ethos
During a gathering widely attended by clergy and lay representatives, the pope emphasized that the legacy of early missionaries was not merely historical but a living invitation to evangelization, education, and service. “We inherit a sacred duty to continue their work with courage, humility, and a readiness to engage the realities of our day,” he said. The message resonated across a diverse audience, including young priests and catechists who are tasked with passing on the faith in rapidly changing communities.
Bold Steps for Formation and Community Outreach
Experts in SACBC leadership expressed gratitude for the papal reminder while outlining concrete strategies to translate the legacy into action. Initiatives highlighted include enhanced seminary formation focused on intercultural dialogue, more robust lay leadership programs, and renewed support for education and health ministries that historically drew strength from missionary networks. A regional observer noted that sustainable growth hinges on partnerships with local communities, Catholic schools, and civil society organizations that share in the mission to serve the vulnerable.
Embracing Local Contexts While Upholding Core Values
The pope cautioned against merely preserving rituals without relevance to today’s social realities. He urged bishops to listen attentively to the concerns of young people, women, and marginalized groups, integrating these insights into pastoral plans. The SACBC assembly was praised for its openness to lay participation and for fostering a culture of discernment in which faith and social responsibility reinforce each other.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Mission for Generations
Participants left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear expectation to translate heritage into measurable acts of charity, evangelization, and community building. As Southern Africa grapples with issues such as poverty, migration, and access to education, the papal message provides a compass for bishops, priests, and faithful alike: the legacy of the earliest missionaries is not a relic but a living mandate to witness Christ’s love in practical ways.
