Vatican City, Aug 7, 2025 / 13:54 pm

In a video message to the participants of the third congress of the Pan-African Catholic Network for Theology and Pastoral Care, Pope Leo XIV recalled the fundamental role of the family, “the first place where we receive the love and support we need.”

The event, titled “Walking Together in Hope as the Church-Family of God in Africa,” is taking place Aug. 5–10 at the Catholic University of West Africa in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The main objective of the meeting is to promote communication within the global south by bringing together theologians, pastoral, lay, and religious leaders to reflect, share experiences, and develop pastoral ministry from an African perspective.

At the beginning of his message , released Aug. 6, the Holy Father particularly

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