Pope Leo sent a video message to the Third Congress of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN). The Pope expressed gratitude for the network's work and offered prayers for those reflecting on the future of the Church in Africa. Pope Leo emphasized the importance of hope as a vital virtue, connecting faith and love. He highlighted that the Church should be a beacon of hope in the face of challenges in Africa. The Congress theme is "Journeying together in hope as Church Family of God in Africa."
4 months ago
Pope Leo XIV delivered a video message to the Third Congress of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), an organization founded in 2019 for African Church leaders, scholars, and pastoral ministry directors 1, 2, 3. The Congress, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from August 5-10, 2025, focused on promoting communication within the Global South and developing African-perspective pastoral ministry 3, 4. The theme of the Congress was "Journeying together in hope as Church Family of God in Africa" 1, 2, 4.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the "vital role" of hope on the earthly journey, especially in the context of the Jubilee of Hope 1, 2, 4. He noted that while faith and charity often receive more prominence, hope serves as the virtue that connects them, providing the desire for heavenly happiness and sustaining individuals through life's hardships 1, 2, 4. The Pope urged the Church to act as a "beacon of hope for the nations," particularly in Africa, which faces its own unique difficulties 1, 2, 4.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the concept of the Church as a "family of God," underscoring the shared responsibility among baptized individuals to care for one another 1, 2, 3. He stressed that the family is the primary source of love and support needed to overcome life's trials 3, 4. The Holy Father encouraged PACTPAN members to continue building up the "family of the local Churches" in their respective countries, thereby creating robust networks of support for all Christians and the wider society, especially those on the peripheries 1, 2, 4.
A key point of the Pope's message was the essential unity between theology and pastoral work, encapsulated in the phrase, "We have to live what we believe" 1, 2, 3. He tasked the network with implementing pastoral programs that effectively demonstrate how Church teachings can open hearts and minds to God's truth and love 1, 2, 4. PACTPAN itself is dedicated to inter-disciplinary research and advocacy, encouraging its members to serve the voiceless 1, 2.
How does the Church define hope?
The Catholic Church defines hope as a theological virtue through which individuals desire the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as their ultimate happiness . This desire is rooted in trust in Christ's promises and reliance on the grace of the Holy Spirit, rather than on one's own strength . Hope is considered a divine virtue because its immediate object is God and it is directly infused into the soul by God, not acquired through repeated acts or human effort .