These two countries illustrate the effect of neoliberal capitalism and slavery, colonialism and imperialism. Together, they have unleashed the most destructive economic, social and political upheaval in modern African history.
Pope Francis is coming to listen especially to the poor, to young people and to women who have been violated in conflicts. He also hopes to address the hidden wounds ofPope Francis will see how war, dictatorship and ecological disasters have denied people access to land, labour and lodging. These are the “three Ls” heHe will no doubt receive a warm welcome during his visit. Most African Catholics embrace his message of a poor and merciful church because it speaks to their problems.
But there are many African Catholics, particularly high-ranking church leaders, who are yet to embrace this reform agenda. The previous two popes encouraged a centralising tendency, which promoted unquestioning loyalty to Rome by African bishops. As a result, these bishops resisted attempts by African theologians to modernise and Africanise Catholic beliefs and practices to meet local needs and circumstances.
Rather than being a strong church that looks like Africa, some of the Catholic dioceses on the continent have embraced mediaeval traditions — such as Roman rituals and Latin — that alienate African Catholics, especially young people.of giving Africa a voice in the church and in the world. Many African Catholics wonder how this will happen when, for the first time in more than 30 years, there is just one African holding an important executive function at the Vatican.
Through the sessions that the pope will conduct with Africans, it’s hoped that the Catholic church in Africa can help address the causes of war and suffering in the DRC and South Sudan, and the obstacles to reforming the church in Africa.