On the occasion of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) Symposium, held at St Dominic’s School for Girls in Johannesburg from May 23 to 25, the President of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), addressed the future of religious life in Africa and urged them to live out synodality and social justice.

In an interview with the Communications Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.), expressed joy at being in South Africa for the first time in his capacity as President of SECAM and as a key voice in the global Synod on Synodality.

“I’m very happy to be here for this symposium of religious life across Africa,” he said. “I was invited to share my experience of the Synod. The Synod talks about the changes needed in the Church—we must change how we are Church. That includes religious life. Everything around us is changing, and religious life in Africa must also embrace this transformation.”

Synodality Requires Personal and Communal Conversion

 The Local Ordinary of Kinshasa Catholic Archdiocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) acknowledged the challenges that still face the Church in implementing the vision of the Synod on Synodality, especially among clergy.

“It is not easy to bring people together for implementation, especially priests. If we want to move forward with the spirit of synodality, we must first change ourselves. We need conversion—what we call a synodal conversion.”

Cardinal Ambongo Besungu call to conversion was not just institutional, but deeply personal and communal. He emphasized that synodality means walking with the people, listening with humility, and being agents of fraternity and reconciliation.

Religious Life and Africa’s Struggles for Justice

Reflecting on one of the key themes of the symposium—Africa’s socio-political struggles—Cardinal Ambongo Besungu was clear: the Gospel cannot be proclaimed in isolation from people’s lived realities.

“The primary mission of religious life is to evangelize. But today in Africa, many people suffer from injustice, poverty, hunger, and bad governance. We cannot talk about Jesus and ignore the suffering of the people,” he affirmed.

He went on to say, “To be religious in Africa means being close to the people—walking with them, helping them break free from situations of oppression and injustice. You cannot say you are religious in Africa and not be with those who are fighting for a better future.”

Pope Leo XIV and the African Church

Having recently returned from the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Ambongo Besungu shared his hopes for the new papacy, especially in light of the Pope’s deep ties to Africa as a former missionary bishop and synodal participant.

“I am hopeful—and almost sure—that he will continue Pope Francis’ commitment to Africa. His first word after being elected was ‘peace.’ He understands our struggles and is ready to walk with us on the journey of liberation and justice,” said Cardinal Ambongo Besungu.

Africa Day Celebration at Regina Mundi

On Africa Day celebration on May 25, the President of SECAM joined religious from across the continent in celebrating a special Mass at Regina Mundi Parish in Soweto, a historic site of resistance during apartheid.

He told the SACBC Communication office that “Africa is a continent that suffers. But we place our hope in God and the intercession of the Mother of God. To pray together in Regina Mundi with all the religious of Africa is a powerful sign of unity and faith.”

He invited “all people to be in communion with us. Pray with us for peace, for true development, and for the future of our continent.”