Le pape Léon XIV encourage la collaboration entre religieux et hiérarchie ecclésiale au Cameroun
Citation
"La vie consacrée est une partie essentielle de la vie de l’Église."
La rencontre organisée par le pape Léon XIV avec les supérieurs religieux actifs au Cameroun intervient dans un contexte marqué par de multiples défis sociaux et ecclésiaux, tels que la violence, le déplacement de populations, la traite d’êtres humains et la nécessité d’un engagement accru auprès de la jeunesse. Le pape, conscient de l’importance stratégique de la vie consacrée dans la vitalité ecclésiale du pays, a insisté sur la collaboration entre religieux, évêques et prêtres diocésains pour faire face à ces enjeux. Il a souligné le rôle des congrégations, appelant à reconnaître et promouvoir leurs charismes spécifiques dans chaque diocèse, tout en approfondissant la réflexion sur l'identité religieuse et la formation adaptée des candidats à la vie consacrée. Le renforcement du dialogue, notamment interreligieux, ainsi que la pastorale des jeunes, sont considérés comme prioritaires pour garantir un témoignage crédible et une réponse efficace aux défis sociétaux. Cette rencontre s’inscrit dans une dynamique post-synodale, avec la perspective de réviser le cadre normatif régissant les relations entre évêques et religieux pour une Église plus synodale et inclusive.
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Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV met on Friday evening with a group of nine consecrated religious representing the National Conference of Major Superiors and the more than 250 religious institutes and congregations active in Cameroon.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope listened to their words of gratitude for his visit to the country and for his speeches in recent days, as well as to their account of their commitment and witness alongside many situations of suffering in Cameroon, especially among young people, the displaced, victims of violence, and victims of human trafficking.
The religious superiors spoke of the need for greater collaboration with Bishops and diocesan priests, and of questions concerning religious identity that are emerging within their congregations.
Pope Leo then thanked them for the opportunity offered by the meeting, stressing that “consecrated life is an essential part of the life of the Church.”
He went on to address the concrete relationship between consecrated life and Bishops and diocesan clergy, recalling that one of the conclusions of the most recent Synod was the proposal for a study group on updating the document Mutuae relationes. In this context, he said, it is essential to recognize and promote the different charisms of the congregations present in every diocese.
The Pope also spoke about formation in consecrated life, noting that each congregation must follow its own specific charism. He emphasized the need for shared discernment so that candidates may be prepared for a life of sacrifice, self-gift, and service within community.
He added that certain challenges, including coexistence among people of different faiths and religions and the pastoral care of young people, require reflection within each institute or community, in collaboration with the dioceses, so that every charism may be placed at the service of the Church at every level.
Referring to the speeches he delivered during the visit, Pope Leo said: “You have cited the speeches of these days. The Pope has arrived, the Pope is leaving, but you have the things that were said,” calling those present to take up the visit's message, reflect on it, and share it in order to respond to the difficult challenges of the present moment.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by saying that consecrated life “calls for courage, at times radical courage, in the choice to proclaim without fear what Jesus teaches us in the Gospel: disciples who reach the most complex problems, the farthest borders of the earth, the smallest, prisoners, those most in need of hope, of the love of God.”
At the end of the meeting, the Pope imparted his blessing on those present and prayed the Our Father with them before greeting each one individually.