Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the message Pope Francis recently sent to a G7 event focusing on the crucial role of missionaries in Africa. In this message, the Pope encourages participants to continue their efforts in promoting a culture of encounter.
By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Francis commended a G7 event in Italy on October 23 that centered on the impact of missionaries in fostering development in Africa. Titled “Education for development in Africa: The role of missions,” the event is part of Italy’s G7 presidency, hosting a series of meetings from October 22-24 with a development agenda.
In a letter to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Pope expressed his hope that the gathering would reinforce the values of solidarity and humanitarian commitment towards the less fortunate. Encouraging the participants to persevere in promoting a culture of encounter, the Pope’s message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue as true ambassadors of charity.
Round-tables and testimonies
The event commenced with Davide Dionisi, the Italian government’s envoy for religious freedom, reading the Pope’s message at 16:30 Italian time. Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and a round table featuring Italian bishops, along with other guests like professor Shahid Mobeen and Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, followed.
Following the round table, various missionary organizations shared testimonies about their educational work in Africa.
The Pope and the G7
The G7, comprised of seven advanced economies, includes Italy as the current rotating president for 2024. Pope Francis has been actively engaged with the G7 events throughout the year, notably becoming the first Pope to address a G7 summit in June. Wednesday’s discussion on the impact of missionaries in Africa is a continuation of a similar event held last December at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher from the Holy See delivered the opening address.
