Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), has called on the Church to become “pilgrims of hope” as it journeys through the Jubilee Year of Hope amid global crises.
Addressing the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in Kigali, Rwanda, the cardinal underscored the importance of hope as the Church confronts conflict, displacement, and economic distress.
“The universal Church has sincerely engaged in the implementation of the Synodal process,” Cardinal Ferrão said, highlighting how the synodal journey initiated by Pope Francis continues to inspire communion, participation, and mission.
The prelate urged the assembly to embrace hope not only as a theme but as a mission. He said everyone is called to be “witnesses and signs of hope” amidst the challenges of the modern world.
He also lamented the deepening humanitarian crises across the globe, stressing that such realities have “forced the church to reflect and discern” how it can “effectively present Christ as a source of hope, reconciliation, and peace” in a world plagued by disputes and economic distress.
The cardinal praised the assembly’s theme, “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace,” describing it as timely and meaningful for both Africa and Asia, regions facing shared struggles including poverty, forced migration, and social injustice.
As president of the FABC, which brings together 17 Episcopal Conferences, two Synods of Oriental Churches, and three associate members, Cardinal Ferrão expressed solidarity between the Churches of Asia and Africa, affirming that their “shared journey strengthens the Church’s witness in today’s world.”
“Together, we can build a more inclusive, peaceful, and hopeful future,” he said.
