For starters Pope Leo XIV has already visited Kenya earlier in 2025 as a Cardinal. He went to the Baba Dogo Parish, and the Augustinian community.
“May peace be with all of you,” these are the first words of Pope Leo XIV as he made his maiden appearance before the public, this time as the new Bishop of Rome.
The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The new pope was announced to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.
And if there is one thing missing in Africa is ‘Peace!’
For most residents of Africa, the Chicago Born Prevost is likely to be more open and may even emulate his predecessor, Francis’ efforts to connect with the continent.
In Africa, people have always believed that the non-italian popes (Or at least those that don’t come from Europe) are more accommodating. The fact that Pope Leo XIV comes from the United States, makes him even more approachable.
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar together with the entire Church, Family of God in Africa and its Islands, joyfully joins the universal Church in giving thanks to God for the gift of our new Supreme Pontiff, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
This historic moment marks a new chapter in the life of the Church, a season of hope, renewal, and missionary commitment. With deep joy, we welcome this providential gift of a new Shepherd, in fulfilment of the Lord’s promise: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).
As a continent blessed with a rapidly growing Catholic population, a youthful, vibrant Church, Africa looks with great expectation to the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. We pray that his leadership will inspire efforts to deepen the faith, strengthen vocations, and advance authentic, Christ-centered development. Africa, rich in culture, history, and deep-rooted spirituality, remains an indispensable partner in the mission of the universal Church.
We trust that Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral wisdom and evangelical zeal will reinforce the Church’s commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people, particularly the poor, the marginalized, and those suffering the consequences of conflict, inequality, and neglect.
The Church in Africa reaffirms its full communion and collaboration with Pope Leo XIV. We stand ready to work with him in addressing the pressing challenges facing our communities, including: conflicts, poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, interreligious dialogue, and environmental stewardship. We believe his leadership will unlock Africa’s full potential, empowering our youth to become agents of positive change, inspired by the Gospel.
We assure Pope Leo XIV of our prayers and unwavering support as he begins his mission as Successor of Peter and Pastor of the universal Church. May Mary, Mother of the Church and Patroness of Africa, intercede for him and for the entire continent.
The first Augustinian Pope, Robert Prevost – now Leo XIV – is the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas after Pope Francis.
However, unlike Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost is from the northern part of the American continent, though he spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms.
After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders.
In fact, Pope John Paul II, did take an extensive tour of Africa, vising Tanzania, Kenya and other parts of East Africa.
The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis). Francis also visited various African countries, and his successor may just carry on the same mission.
First Augustinian Pope
The new Bishop of Rome was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.
He spent his childhood and adolescence with his family and studied first at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where in 1977 he earned a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy.
His extensive experience in Latin America, including his role as Bishop of Chiclayo and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, resonates deeply with Costa Rica and the broader region, home to nearly 40 percent of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.