Pactpan Archives - Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network

PACTPAN Launches “Church of Now” Youth Leadership Team to Strengthen Youth Leadership and Catholic Renewal Across Africa

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PACTPAN Launches “Church of Now” Youth Leadership Team to Strengthen Youth Leadership and Catholic Renewal Across Africa Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — July 1, 2026 — The Pan-African Network of Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) has officially inaugurated the leadership team of its youth movement, Church of Now, marking a significant milestone in the network\’s commitment to empowering young Africans as active protagonists in the renewal of the Church and society. The formal establishment of the Church of Now Executive Leadership Team follows a series of consultative sessions held in a spirit of synodality between young leaders and PACTPAN\’s governing body. The appointments, officially confirmed by the Director of Programs, Sr Jane Kimathi, on June 24, 2026, reflect the network\’s conviction that the future vitality of the Church in Africa depends upon meaningful youth participation, leadership formation, and intergenerational collaboration. Church of Now is PACTPAN\’s dedicated youth platform, created primarily—but not exclusively—for young people. Guided by experienced mentors drawn from the laity, clergy, and religious life, the initiative seeks to build a continental community where young African Catholics can encounter one another, share experiences, deepen their faith, and help shape the future of the Church. The movement serves as a platform for dialogue between young Catholics and Church leaders while developing pastoral and leadership formation programs that respond to the realities facing today’s youth—their faith, vocation, education, employment, digital engagement, social responsibility, and participation in the life and mission of the Church. Among its flagship initiatives are the Building Bright Initiative, which focuses on leadership development and community transformation, and the African Digital Faith Influencers Program, which equips young Catholics to proclaim the Gospel creatively and responsibly within today\’s digital culture. New Executive Leadership Team PACTPAN is pleased to announce the appointment of the inaugural Executive Leadership Team of Church of Now: Ampereza Devis is a Catholic youth from the Diocese of Kabale in Uganda. He is a scholar and teaches in the Department of Human Resource Management at Makerere University Business school . Ampereza Devis was among the 8 youth that had an online encounter with Pope Francis in November 2022 on the Building Bridges Initiative and He is the president of the youth in the Pan African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Business Administration. He is one of the active youth leaders in Uganda who graduated as a Digital Faith Influencer from the PACTPAN. He comes with deep deternimation to ensure that the youth work together overcome the challenges they face in the world today collectively and be able to achieve what they would like to do for God and his church in Africa He comes with deep deternimation to ensure that the youth work together overcome the challenges they face in the world today collectively and be able to achieve what they would like to do for God and his church in Africa Claudia APEDO from Togo is a master’s student in economics and an expert in sales and customer consulting. Active in her parish and in several organizations, she serves as Vice President of the Lay Ministry and Assistant for Cultural Affairs and Human Development at the St. John the Apostle University Parish in Lomé. In addition, she is Vice President of Pactpan’s Church of Now unit and was among the first cohort of young people trained by Pactpan as a Digital Faith Influencer. She is passionate about community engagement and uses her expertise to help her fellow young people develop their entrepreneurial skills. Her goal is to share the joy and love of Jesus Christ with those around her. Milliam Witness Kayange is a Malawian educator, youth development practitioner, researcher and advocate for education and social transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education (English) and serves as a secondary school teacher. Milliam is the Malawi Coordinator and Communications Director for PACT-PAN Malawi Chapter, Director of Programs for the PACT-PAN Church of Now Unit and a member of the PACT-PAN Executive Board. She also serves as Secretary of the National Movement of Catholic Students (NMCS) Malawi and is a member of the Global Advocacy Team for IMCS Pax Romana. Her professional development includes certifications in Digital Influencing and Global Advocacy. She is currently leading the youth empowerment initiative, Empowering the Youth: Pathways to Sustainable Socio-economic and Spiritual Independence, while conducting research on Assessing Students\’ Expectations of the Church and Chaplains: Challenges and Opportunities. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering young people, strengthening Catholic youth leadership and advancing education and sustainable Socio-economic development across Africa. Camille Agbeva, a young leader from Benin, is active in his parish and shares his experience with the young people in his network. He is also involved in youth training and community development. Passionate about digital innovation and leadership, he is a web developer and AI expert in training. He is leading a project that aims to highlight his country’s pilgrimage sites and places of spiritual renewal. He is an active advocate in youth movements in his country, including the Catholic Student Youth (JEC). He was part of the first cohort of young people trained as Digital Faith Influencers by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PActpan). Currently, he serves as vice president of the Church of Now unit at Pactpan. Bindré Roger DAYAMBA is a Sociologist and young Catholic from Burkina Faso. He is actively involved in his parish and diocese. He serves as secretary of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (Pactpan). Executive Committee, coordinator of digital ministry for the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou, and coordinator of Pactpan’s youth ministry in Burkina Faso. As an influencer and digital missionary of the faith—and a member of the first cohort of Pactpan students—he promotes the initiative known as Solidarity For All (S4A), whose spiritual focus is on vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, displaced families, and host communities affected by the terrorism crisis in Burkina Faso. His mission is to build bridges among young people across Africa and promote active solidarity without borders. He serves as Secretary and

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PACTPAN, University of Würzburg, and the Institute for World Church and Mission Convene International Conference on Synodality

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PACTPAN, University of Würzburg, and the Institute for World Church and Mission Convene International Conference on Synodality Engaging Synodality: Intercultural Perspectives for Re-Imagining Pastoral Possibilities Würzburg, Germany | July 1–3, 2026 The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), in collaboration with the Institute for World Church and Mission (Institut für Weltkirche und Mission), Germany, and Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, is pleased to announce an international theological and pastoral conference on the theme: “Engaging Synodality: Intercultural Perspectives for Re-Imagining Pastoral Possibilities.” The conference will take place from July 1–3, 2026, in Würzburg, Germany, bringing together leading theologians, pastoral practitioners, canonists, religious leaders, and scholars from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America to reflect on one of the most significant ecclesial developments of our time: the reception and implementation of synodality in the life and mission of the Church. At a time when Pope Leo XIV continues the Church’s commitment to becoming a more missionary, participatory, and listening Church, this gathering seeks to explore how synodality can move beyond theory and become a lived reality in diverse ecclesial, cultural, and social contexts. Participants will examine how local Churches across the world are responding to the call to walk together, discern together, and share responsibility for the mission of the People of God. The conference will open with a keynote lecture by Prof. Klara A. Csiszar (Romania–Austria) on: “Translating Doctrine into Practice: Mission as the Alpha and Omega of Synodality” Her presentation will highlight the relationship between synodality, missionary discipleship, and pastoral conversion. Over three days, participants will engage a wide range of themes shaping contemporary ecclesial life, including: A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Fr. Stan Chu Ilo (Nigeria–USA), Coordinating Servant of PACTPAN, entitled: “Nothing About Me Without Me: Co-Responsibility in a Synodal Church Family of God” His presentation will explore one of the central questions emerging from the Synod on Synodality: how the Church can foster authentic participation, shared discernment, and collaborative leadership among all the baptized while respecting the distinct vocations and responsibilities within the People of God. The conference will feature distinguished speakers from Germany, Argentina, Singapore, Cameroon, Nigeria, Italy, the Philippines, Kenya, Mexico, Ghana, Spain, and India, reflecting the truly global and intercultural nature of contemporary Catholicism. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and participatory conversations, participants will examine both the opportunities and challenges of implementing synodality across diverse ecclesial and cultural settings. Particular attention will be given to the contribution of the Global South to contemporary ecclesiology. Presentations such as “Synodality as Palaver: The African Church and New Pathways to Being Church in the Contemporary World,” “Synodality and Mission: Reimagining the Prophetic Life of African Women Religious,” and “‘Lived Synodality’ as a Pastoral Style for Safeguarding” will highlight emerging perspectives from Africa and their significance for the universal Church. The conference further seeks to deepen understanding of synodality as both a theological vision and a practical method for ecclesial life. Participants will explore critical questions such as: According to the organizing institutions, the gathering represents an important opportunity for mutual learning among Churches from different regions of the world. By bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives, the conference aims to contribute to the ongoing reception of the Synod on Synodality and to generate new pastoral pathways for the Church in the twenty-first century. PACTPAN is honored to partner with the Institute for World Church and Mission and Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg in advancing this important conversation and strengthening global theological collaboration in service of a more synodal, missionary, and intercultural Church. Media Contact PACTPAN – Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network Sr Helen KasakaDirector of Communication Email: communication@pactpan.org Conference Dates: July 1–3, 2026Venue: Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Germany Conference Theme:Engaging Synodality: Intercultural Perspectives for Re-Imagining Pastoral Possibilities

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PACTPAN’S STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH SECAM ON THE TRAGIC KILLING OF BISHOP OSÓRIO CITORA AFONSO

3 Comments / Press Release / Pactpan Africa

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10) The Pan-African Catholic Theological and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) joins the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Mozambique, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of Mozambique, and all people of goodwill in mourning the tragic killing of Most Rev. Osório Citora Afonso, Bishop of Quelimane and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira. We received with profound sorrow, shock, and indignation the news of the violent death of Bishop Afonso in his episcopal residence. We stand in prayerful solidarity with his family, his diocese, the people of Mozambique, and the entire Church in Africa. As SECAM rightly observed, this “heinous act, perpetrated against a shepherd of God’s people, constitutes not only an attack on the life and dignity of a devoted servant of the Gospel but also an assault on the values of peace, justice, human dignity, and religious freedom that are essential for the flourishing of every society.” PACTPAN wholeheartedly joins SECAM in its unequivocal condemnation of this barbaric crime and in its call upon the Government of Mozambique and all competent authorities to undertake an immediate, transparent, thorough, and independent investigation so that those responsible, whether perpetrators, accomplices, or masterminds, may be identified and brought to justice. As SECAM has rightly insisted, “the people of Mozambique, the Catholic Church, and the international community deserve the truth.” We are equally grateful for the prayerful solidarity of Pope Leo XIV, who described Bishop Afonso’s death as a painful loss for the Church and called upon all believers to reject violence and become builders of peace, reconciliation, and hope. In a continent wounded by conflict, insecurity, criminal violence, corruption, and political instability, the Holy Father’s appeal deserves renewed attention. The death of Bishop Afonso joins a disturbing pattern that has emerged in recent years across Africa. Too many bishops, priests, religious women and men, catechists, pastoral agents, and ordinary faithful have become victims of violence. In many cases, investigations remain incomplete, justice remains elusive, and families and communities are left without answers. The killing of shepherds of God’s people is never merely an attack on an individual. It is an attack on the moral conscience of society and on the sacredness of human life itself. We know that this tragedy extends far beyond attacks on Church leaders. Across our continent, countless ordinary men, women, and children are victims every day of murder, terrorism, banditry, organized crime, political violence, kidnappings, domestic violence, disappearances, and armed conflict. Mozambique continues to suffer the consequences of insurgent violence in Cabo Delgado. Nigeria faces persistent insecurity and attacks on communities. South Africa struggles with extraordinarily high levels of violent crime. Across several African nations, thousands of families live with the pain of loved ones who have been killed, abducted, or disappeared. This reality compels us to ask a painful but necessary question: What has happened to our commitment to the sanctity of life? We Africans often pride ourselves on cherishing life, family, community, and solidarity. Yet the increasing normalization of violence suggests that something precious is being lost. Human life is too often treated as disposable. Violence has become routine. Death has become commonplace. Too many people no longer feel shock when another life is taken. The killing of Bishop Afonso is a moment of moral reckoning not only for Mozambique, a country that has seen so much violence, but for our continent. PACTPAN believes that Africa\’s future depends upon a renewed commitment to two foundational sources of our moral vision: the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Ubuntu reminds us that “I am because we are.” Human beings do not exist in isolation. Our humanity is bound together. When one life is diminished, the entire community is diminished. When one person is murdered, something sacred is wounded in all of us. The Gospel invites us even to something higher. Jesus Christ came so that all may have life and have it abundantly. This is the motto that we have chosen as a network. The Christian vocation is therefore not merely to condemn violence after it occurs but to build cultures, institutions, and communities that protect life before it is threatened and to see justice for those who have been killed because the victims of violence die again and again if there is no justice and accounting for their deaths. For this reason, PACTPAN calls upon governments, religious leaders, educators, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, and families throughout Africa to renew their commitment to: As we mourn Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, we also recommit ourselves to the work for which he lived: building communities of faith, hope, justice, and peace. May his blood, and the blood of all innocent victims of violence in Africa, become a seed of renewal for our continent. May the Lord of Life welcome Bishop Afonso into the communion of the saints. May Jesus, the Bread and Blood of Life, whose feast Bishop Afonso was hoping to celebrate on the eve of his death, welcome him into the banquet of heaven. May God comfort all who mourn. May justice be done. May peace prevail in Mozambique and throughout Africa. Sr Jane Waruguru Kimathi Fr. Stan Chu IloCoordinating Servant, PACTPAN Pan-African Catholic Theological and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) June 7, 2026, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

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Pactpan Partners with CUAMM to Lunch “Just in Time in Low Resource Settings”

Leave a Comment / Health and Healing, Pactpan, Pactpan Academy, Pactpan partners / Nnaemeka Ali, O.M.I

Doctors with Africa CUAMM and Pactpan are thrilled to announce an online and free training course called “Just in Time in Low Resource Settings” – (JIT). JIT is divided into seven modules, with each module subdivided into a compulsory unit (recorded lectures) and optional further readings. As can be read from their website, it will equip healthcare workers to work in various facilities proficiently and safely during disasters in high and low-resource settings. In addition to enhancing their preparedness, the programs will assist healthcare professionals by improving their ability to respond effectively in disasters, their perception of preparedness and confidence, and their comprehensive understanding of emergency activities and procedures. Just in Time in Low Resource Settings is being organized by the Italian NGO Doctors with Africa CUAMM in partnership with Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network—PACTPAN. Founded in 1950 by Francesco Canova, CUAMM was formerly called the University College for Aspiring Missionary Doctors. The project’s primary objective was to recruit and educate medical students from Italy and other countries who were enthusiastic about dedicating part of their professional careers to serving in mission hospitals and supporting disadvantaged communities in developing countries (Casagrande, 2016). CUAMM transformed in 1971 following the enactment of Italy’s initial law on cultural, scientific, and technical collaboration with underdeveloped nations. This law recognized the benefits of volunteer work and marked a significant step forward. A year later, the Italian government officially acknowledged Doctors with Africa CUAMM as a volunteer organization authorized to perform institutional functions in developing countries to promote development and cooperation activities (Ibid.). Present in seven African countries – Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda – CUAMM researches “maternal, child and newborn health; infectious diseases; universal health coverage and equity; nutrition and chronic diseases” (Casagrande, 2016). In addition to CUAMM’s already existing partnership with some countries, hospitals, nursing and midwifery schools, and some universities, its present collaboration with Pactpan will go a long way to welcoming CUAMM to many other African countries. The partnership will help CUAMM train more healthcare workers in the basic principles of disaster medicine and public health emergencies, as well as prepare to understand “the standard operating procedures to be adopted before (preparedness), during (response) or after (mitigation) a disaster”. Just in Time in Low Resource Settings will be delivered in English, and the participants will be able to receive a digital certificate of attendance. The full presentation of the course is accessible here: https://doctorswithafrica.org/en/whats-new/news/just-in-time-in-low-resource-settings/ REGISTRATION: To register for the JIT’s free training, fill out the form here: 👉 For Faith-Based Organizations and Pactpan Network: For Health Professionals and Others: For further information, contact: infojit.2023@gmail.com or usa@cuamm.org 1. Casagrande. (2016, July 1). Our History | A long journey. Doctors with Africa CUAMM. https://doctorswithafrica.org/en/who-we-are/our-history/our-history-a-long-journey/ 2. Redazione_adm. (2023, February 2). JUST IN TIME | In Low Resource Settings. Doctors with Africa CUAMM. https://doctorswithafrica.org/en/whats-new/news/just-in-time-in-low-resource-settings/

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Building Healthy Relationships within the Confines of Our Faith By Fr Adugba Mathias

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The BBI Nigeria steering committee organized a virtual talk show for all cohorts and their mentors. There were also other participants from other countries across the African continent. The presenter of this talk show was Dame Bridget Itsueli, and the moderator was Mrs. Nneka Okekearu. The presenter focused her teaching the young ones how to build purposeful relationships. She stressed the need for networking among men and women since both genders come from God with their dignity and destiny and are only different in looks. Leaning on Pope John Paul II’s teaching in his “theology of the body,” the presenter taught that “we are more than biology, we’re also a theology – our humanity speaks and expresses divinity. We don’t have enough time to manifest our infinite capacities. This tells us that we are a unique, unrepeatable gift. We are different, unique, and gifted to influence our environment. That is, if I am a gift, I am gifted to give fragrance and taste; I am an influencer and not a user – I am a restorer, not a depleter; I positively promote the goodness of God. She enlightened the young ones and charged them not to neglect their humanity in all they do. It is important to know how to love and teach love and be intentional when we love. She listed Eros, Filia and Agape as the three known types of love. However, both Eros and Filia are being harnessed and ennobled into Agape. As humans, we respond to positive affections in different ways; thus, every human relationship must have a purpose. This cannot be without constant nurturing, or else it dies. She affirmed that Love, networking and relationships take a lot of work, effort and sacrifice. Despite this undeniable need for relating, relationships demand boundaries. They must have well-defined purposes and expectations, which, when not met, defeat their aim. There is also a natural desire to couple; we are sexual beings. Even when we give it up in celibacy, we do not detest it but offer what is most precious to us and return it to God. Nuptiality in celibacy does not cease to exist because we are sexual beings; thus, a celibate must work daily on his being sexual too. Even in dating or courtship, you must have a purpose for it; else, it becomes exploitative. In this networking, we find the connectors. There should be mutual benefits, and the focus is not on personal needs. Every relationship must have the desire to will the good of the other. Not in a transactional way but as a gift to the other. Unless we can serve, our relationships are useless and transactional. She noted that boys must not see themselves as victims of female seduction but as gifts to women. They must be taught the truth, or they will become addicted to porn and masturbation due to education in this aspect of their life. The talk also entertained questions about contributions and interactions from the young ones, their mentors and steering committee members. It was finally agreed that this meeting should continue discussing the theme to find proper guidance. The young ones were urged to be open in discussing issues of sexuality and to get guidance from the right source. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

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Uganda Cohort Extends Charity to Kayunga-Galiraya Community by Devis Ampereza

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St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Community and MUBS-Uganda youth conducted a charity visit to Kayunga-Galiraya on Easter Monday as part of the Building Bridges Initiative. They provided items such as clothing, food, and educational materials collected during the Lenten season to the vulnerable members of the Kayunga-Galiraya community. This visit continues an online conversation between Pope Francis and African University students on November 1st, 2022. In that great event, Pope Francis listened to young Africans and heard what they wanted to do for God, the Church, and society in Africa and how the church leadership in Africa could help them realize their dreams. Uganda was selected to participate in this online conversation with Pope Francis, and Devis Ampereza passionately narrated their question to the Holy Father. Their question mainly focused on immigration, citing why most young African men and women leave their homes to seek asylum. Since the Republic of Uganda is the African country hosting the most refugees, the youth are concerned about realizing their dream of ending poverty, war and sales of arms. Nevertheless, despite Uganda’s policies for welcoming refugees, the country still faces economic migration challenges. Furthermore, many young Ugandans are leaving the country to work abroad because they cannot afford to live a sustainable life in the country. Therefore, youth are concerned about working together to end the war, poverty, and young Africans’ voluntary search for asylum in Europe, North America and other developed countries. Even so, the youth still have a spirit of brotherhood and wish all people to live together in harmony with all that is required to sustain their lives. Consequently, the youth conducted a charity visit to embrace inclusivity, welcome everyone as brothers and sisters in one Holy Church and continue with the Holy Father’s Building Bridges Initiative. The youth participated in the celebration of the Holy Mass at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Community. During his homily, the Assistant Chaplain, Fr. Charles Mpiima, noted that we are today’s church and must make the church what we want it to be. He stated that acts of charity are essential in the Catholic Church because they demonstrate a spirit of brotherhood and hope for the less advantaged. He emphasized that the happiness of those in need is the happiness of God. He therefore concluded by advising the youth to be humble and always learn from the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ humility. Similarly, the Deputy Chaplain, Fr. Raphael Ddamba encouraged the young people to reflect on Matthew 25:35-40 because, whatever we have done for the people of Galiraya, we have done it for God. The caretaker of the area, Fr. Jude Matovu, explained that they serve over 25 sub-parishes, and the people are basically fishermen, farmers, and cattle herders who are always in great need and unable to provide for their families. He greatly appreciated the donated items and thanked the students for thinking about those in need. Additionally, the Parish Council chairperson appreciated the University students for thinking about them and sharing the Easter message with them. This community, displaced from their homes and living temporarily in that area, was pleased that the university students have decided to start their Building Bridges Initiative project with them. They received the gifts items with deep expression of appreciation and happiness.

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