Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). (Image: François-Régis Salefran, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 11, 2024 / 14:25 pm (CNA).
In response to new Vatican guidelines permitting nonliturgical pastoral blessings of homosexual couples, the bishops of Africa issued a united statement in which they said there will be “no blessing for homosexual couples in the African churches.”
Ambongo said that the letter is a synthesis of all the African bishops’ opinions, which were sent in response to a request he issued on Dec. 20.
In the letter, Ambongo said that while the African bishops “have strongly reaffirmed their communion with Pope Francis,” they “believe that the extra-liturgical blessings proposed in the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans cannot be carried out in Africa without exposing themselves to scandals.”
Ambongo said the Vatican’s Fiducia Supplicans declaration, issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on Dec. 18, “caused a shockwave” in Africa and “has sown misconceptions and unrest in the minds of many lay faithful, consecrated persons, and even pastors.”
In response, Ambongo said that the African bishops remind the faithful, “as Fiducia Supplicans clearly does,” that “the Church’s doctrine on Christian marriage and sexuality remains unchanged.”
“For this reason, we, the African bishops, do not consider it appropriate for Africa to bless homosexual unions or same-sex couples because, in our context, this would cause confusion and would be in direct contradiction to the cultural ethos of African communities,” the African cardinal said.
The letter is the first instance of the Church in an entire continent rejecting same-sex blessings as proposed in Fiducia Supplicans.
Ambongo said that the language used in Fiducia Supplicans is “too subtle for simple people to understand” and that it is “very difficult to be convincing that people of the same sex who live in a stable union do not claim the legitimacy of their own status.”
The letter goes on to list many more reasons why the African Church will not be offering same-sex couples blessings, citing multiple biblical passages. One of the passages cited by the African bishops is what they called the “scandal of the homosexuals in Sodom” in Genesis 19, which they said demonstrates that “homosexuality is so abominable that it will lead to the destruction of the city.”
In addition to the biblical reasons, Ambongo also said that “the cultural context in Africa, deeply rooted in the values of the natural law regarding marriage and family, further complicates the acceptance of unions of persons of the same sex, as they are seen as contradictory to cultural norms and intrinsically corrupt.”
“The African Bishops’ Conferences emphasize that people with homosexual tendencies must be treated with respect and dignity, while reminding them that unions of persons of the same-sex are contrary to the will of God and therefore cannot receive the blessing of the Church,” Ambongo said.
“Therefore,” he went on, “rites and prayers that could blur the definition of marriage — as an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, open to procreation — are considered unacceptable.”
According to Ambongo, the African bishops’ letter “received the agreement” of both Pope Francis and the Vatican’s prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez.
Ambongo called on Christian communities “not to allow themselves to be shaken” by the confusion gripping the Church following the release of Fiducia Supplicans.
He reassured the faithful that “his holiness Pope Francis, fiercely opposed to any form of cultural colonization in Africa, blesses the African people with all his heart and encourages them to remain faithful, as always, to the defense of Christian values.”
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Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, stops at the Eighth Station of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem during the Good Friday Via Crucis on March 29, 2024. / Credit: Marinella Bandini
Jerusalem, Jan 28, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
Franciscan Father Francesco Patton’s nine-year tenure as custos of the Holy Land began unexpectedly in 2016 when he found himself “redirected” — as he put it — to a largely unfamiliar land while preparing to take on a different assignment in Italy.
“I had only visited the Holy Land a couple of times as a pilgrim,” he admitted. “At first, I was apprehensive about accepting this responsibility because I felt I lacked the necessary knowledge to fulfill it properly.”
As the friar approaches the conclusion of his second term as custos of the Holy Land, he spoke with CNA about his experiences, challenges, and key moments in the role.
Father Francesco Patton, OFM, custos of the Holy Land, holding the replica of the jubilee cross during the opening ceremony of the holy year on Nov. 29, 2024, in Nazareth. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Patton emphasized that listening and studying were crucial to immersing himself in his new reality when he arrived. He credited the support of friars and collaborators, including Shibli, his driver. “He taught me to celebrate Mass in Arabic. While traveling, I would practice reading, and he would correct me. We developed a truly fraternal relationship.”
The custos serves as a unique provincial minister within the Franciscan order, leading a community of friars while also being the Holy See’s official guardian of the Christian holy sites. This responsibility was entrusted to the Franciscans by Pope Clement VI through the papal bull Gratias Agimus on Nov. 21, 1342.
Over its 700-year history, the Custody of the Holy Land has also become a point of reference for politicians, diplomats, and local authorities due to its deep roots in the region.
This distinctive role is reflected in the process of electing the custos. Unlike other provincials, who are directly elected by their friars, the custos is selected by the “General Definitorium” (the order’s governing council) and approved by the Holy See. The process is currently underway and will culminate between March and April with the appointment of the 169th custos of the Holy Land.
Father Francesco Patton, OFM, custos of the Holy Land, takes a group photo with 16 friars who have just made their solemn profession. Looking ahead, Patton envisions the custody’s mission continuing amid complexity. Internally, he foresees a more international community with less European influence. “This will be both a challenge and a source of enrichment,” he observed. “We will need to work much harder on formation.” Credit: Marinella Bandini
Patton described his service as deeply centered on the friars’ growth and community life. “I have personally interpreted my role as more focused on accompanying and supporting the friars,” he said.
“Intensity, spirituality, and fraternity” are the three words Patton used to summarize his experience in the Holy Land.
These nine years, he noted, have been “a profound spiritual journey, beginning with the connection to the holy sites. I have moved from theoretical knowledge to tangible reality.”
“I am even more convinced that as Christians, we must be anchored to the historical dimension of the mystery of the Incarnation,” he added.
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, in prayer during the celebrations of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order. According to St. Francis, the custos explained to CNA, “fraternity means approaching others with trust and seeing them as brothers, never enemies. “Trust is always worth it.” Credit: Marinella Bandini
Among the custos’ favorite sites are the basilicas of the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the Holy Sepulcher, as well as the sanctuaries around the Sea of Galilee. “These are places where Jesus shared the life of ordinary people, performed acts of fraternity, and had profound conversations, such as with Peter,” he reflected.
Franciscan fraternity, he explained, means approaching others with trust and seeing them as brothers, never enemies. “Trust is always worth it,” he emphasized.
This is precisely what took place in the paradigmatic encounter between St. Francis and Sultan Malik al-Kamil in 1219, an event that marked the beginning of the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land.
“War and evil produce only destruction and ugliness, while fraternity and peace create beauty,” he said. “I believe this is God’s dream, and we should nurture it more.”
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, at a moment of rest. On the left, the general minister of the Order of Friars Minor, Father Massimo Fusarelli; on the right, the vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land and the custos’ primary collaborator, Father Ibrahim Faltas. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Fraternity is also a style of governance, one that he has sought to follow throughout these nine years.
“My approach has been to lead by sharing,” he explained. “Today, people often speak of synodality; I personally prefer the term participation. While some decisions must be made individually, the more the friars are involved, the more fruitful those decisions will be, because those who are included also feel responsible.”
This participatory leadership reflects the Franciscan tradition, which at all its levels operates through a communal decision-making body — the chapter. “The fundamental idea,” Patton noted, “is that leadership is a service. It’s not always easy or successful, but it’s essential.”
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, in front of the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre at the end of the Good Friday Via Crucis on March 19, 2024. Credit: Marinella Bandini
“I have always seen my role as temporary,” he said. “My suitcase is always ready. Sometimes people joke about how I travel with just a small backpack, but Jesus himself, in the Gospel (Luke 10:4), tells us not to carry a bag. So, even the backpack might be too much!”
Patton pointed to the Gospel account of Christ washing his disciples’ feet as the ultimate example of servant leadership — a lesson that continues to shape his vision of fraternity in action.
The Franciscan acknowledged the challenges of his tenure, including war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political tensions.
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, in prayer at the chapel of the Seventh Station on the Via Dolorosa, in Jerusalem, during the Good Friday Via Crucis, March 29, 2024. Credit: Marinella Bandini
“I have lived through difficult moments,” Patton shared. “I was especially apprehensive for the friars serving in dangerous areas, such as Syria. However, I have not faced major misunderstandings, as I do not expect everyone to fully grasp what I am trying to accomplish, and I consider it legitimate for some to have differing opinions.”
When he arrived in 2016, the war in Syria was at its peak. “I asked Fra Hanna Jallouf, now Latin vicar of Aleppo, if he wanted to leave. He told me he would rather stay with his people, even if it meant dying, not abandon them like a mercenary. His faith helped me approach difficult decisions with greater serenity.”
Nine years later, with the new situation in the country, that decision now seems almost providential. “The friars were the only Christian presence in the Idlib region for many years. Now, they can play a role in facilitating dialogue with the new leadership,” he said, adding: “When I arrived, I prayed to the Heavenly Father that I might at least witness the end of one war during my term. Perhaps that prayer has been heard.”
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, walks together with the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, during the Palm Sunday procession in Jerusalem in 2024. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Reflecting on the war in Gaza, Patton emphasized the need for true peace, not just temporary truces. “We need to adopt a long-term perspective, even if the path to peace is arduous.”
During the pandemic, the custody faced severe economic challenges, also taking out loans to support employees. “We faced these difficulties with faith and a willingness to take personal risks,” he said.
Patton also noted growing political tensions and pressures, including attacks on Christian sites and increased challenges from the Israeli political climate.
“In 2018, we closed the Holy Sepulcher, in agreement with all the churches, in order to oppose a legislative initiative that we believed would unfairly tax us and introduce mechanisms that could ultimately lead to the expropriation of Church properties.”
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, presides over the Eucharistic celebration in Tabgha, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, on the occasion of the feast of the Primacy of Peter in May 2024. Among the custos’ favorite sites are the sanctuaries around the Sea of Galilee: “These are places where Jesus shared the life of ordinary people, performed acts of fraternity, and had profound conversations, such as with Peter,” he told CNA. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Over the years, the custos explained, “I have witnessed a progressive shift in Israeli politics, steering the country toward a right-wing alignment that combines nationalist and religious fundamentalism. Pressure has increased on the West Bank, and the war in Gaza would have been fought differently with another government, with more attention given to the issue of hostages. We ourselves have faced growing pressure, such as on the issue of taxes, as well as an increase in attacks, both in the holy sites and personally, with insults and even spitting.”
In these circumstances, Patton expressed confidence in the custody’s contribution to a different future: “I am convinced that the custody is already making a contribution, starting with the schools where we educate everyone to have a fraternal perspective toward others.”
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, greets a group of children from the Terra Sancta School of Bethlehem in Manger Square during the Advent entrance in 2023. “I am convinced that the custody is already making a contribution to a different future starting with the schools where we educate everyone to have a fraternal perspective toward others,” he told CNA. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Looking ahead, Patton envisions the custody’s mission continuing amid complexity. Internally, he foresees a more international community with less European influence. “This will be both a challenge and a source of enrichment,” he observed. “We will need to work much harder on formation.”
When it comes to his own future, amid speculation about a possible episcopal appointment, he said: “Nine years ago, I thought I would be a parish priest in Turin, but I came to the Holy Land instead. Since then, I have resolved not to make plans but to trust in God.”
Pope Francis is greeted by a representative of Canada’s indigenous peoples upon his arrival in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 24, 2022 at the start of his six-day visit to Canada. / Vatican Media
Edmonton, Canada, Jul 24, 2022 / 16:04 pm (CNA).
Pope Francis arrived in Edmonton, Alberta, Sunday to begin his six-day visit to Canada.
During his cross-country journey, the 85-year-old pope is expected to meet with and apologize to indigenous Canadians for abuses committed at Church-run residential schools. The pope’s itinerary includes stops in Edmonton, Quebec City, and Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. He returns to Rome on Saturday, July 30.
Following a flight from Rome that lasted more than 10 hours, the pope was greeted at Edmonton International Airport by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other dignitaries.
Pope Francis greeted representatives of Canada’s indigenous peoples inside an airport hangar.
The pope made no public remarks at the airport, but prior to his departure Sunday he tweeted the following message: “Dear brothers and sisters of #Canada,” the pope tweeted before his departure, “I come among you to meet the indigenous peoples. I hope, with God’s grace, that my penitential pilgrimage might contribute to the journey of reconciliation already undertaken. Please accompany me with #prayer.”
Pope Francis enters a hangar at Edmonton International Airport prior to meeting with representatives of Canada’s indigenous peoples on July 24, 2022. Andrea Gagliarducci/CNAPope Francis prepares to meet representatives of Canada’s indigenous peoples inside a hangar at Edmonton International Airport on July 24, 2022. At far left it Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Andrea Gagliarducci/CNAPope Francis prepares meets representatives of Canada’s indigenous peoples in the hangar of the airport in Edmonton on July 24, 2022. Vatican MediaPope Francis meets representatives of Canada’s indigenous peoples in the hangar of the airport in Edmonton on July 24, 2022, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (center) and other look on. Vatican MediaPope Francis meets representatives of Canada’s indigenous peoples in the hangar of the airport in Edmonton on July 24, 2022. Vatican Media
“The extra-liturgical blessings proposed in the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans cannot be carried out in Africa without exposing themselves to scandals.”
Yet the USA and Europe are so morally corrupt that such blasphemous “blessing” can be given without causing scandal? This pontificate is a failure to preach the Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion.”
“Ambongo said that the language used in Fiducia Supplicans is ‘too subtle for simple people to understand” and that it is ‘very difficult to be convincing that people of the same sex who live in a stable union do not claim the legitimacy of their own status.’”
Cardinal Ambongo uses kind, diplomatic language. But the truth is Fiducia Supplicans is not “too subtle for simple people to understand,” but rather it is too stupid for anybody to take seriously.
A brilliant, crafty strategy by PF given the situation. Don’t force the issue in Africa for now, let it become commonplace in the West, and it will eventually make its way South and East. Kudos to the African bishops for standing up for Africa but it is a pity they are willing to accede to the practice in the rest of the Church. Long run, I count this as a win for PF and the progressives.
I believe that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. That said, I have good friends that have been exclusive partners for over 50 years and I do not judge them. They do not flaunt or promote their beliefs and are the kindest people. I see nothing wrong with a “blessing” that is clearly not a marriage ceremony. Neither am I the slightest bit confused over Pope Francis allowing this pastoral action. Pope Francis clearly seems to me to be acting as Christ would act. Furthermore, this desire to be sexuality with one of the same sex ( which I do not understand at all ) has been around since the dawn of mankind and is even found in various species of mammals, birds, etc.. It’s not common but it has been documented. I believe the Spirit is guiding Pope Francis and, since the world is a difficult place, we, as Christians, should be bringing the light of Christ by our kindness and welcoming attitude towards others. We give up nothing of our beliefs and practices by being accepting of others.
“Pope Francis clearly seems to me to be acting as Christ would act.”
Tell me, where and when specifically did Jesus bless homosexual individuals and couples? Where and when specifically did He reverse previous biblical teaching condemning homosexuality?
If Pope Francis seek to act as Christ, he would either say “no blessing of homosexual couples because it is contrary to what God says” or “yes to the blessing of homosexual unions = marriages because now we know that those who wrote the Scriptures were wrong”. I.e., he would be sincere either in his correct statement or in his wrong statement (homosexual unions must be blessed as a marriage, for the sake of the souls which must not live in fornication).
To be like Christ one must be bold and either stick to the divine Revelation no matter what or to decide that yes, the divine Revelation was wrong about it and it is a time to update the teaching – and to say so aloud, ex cathedra.
Of course, as soon as one does the latter, all will become terribly clear, won’t it?
Thank God some of our bishops have the *&$@ to speak the truth to heresy.
“The extra-liturgical blessings proposed in the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans cannot be carried out in Africa without exposing themselves to scandals.”
Yet the USA and Europe are so morally corrupt that such blasphemous “blessing” can be given without causing scandal? This pontificate is a failure to preach the Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion.”
Time for cultural colonization BY Africa.
Amen, Cleo. And evangelization, also.
May these voices from “the peripheries” will speak loud and clear at the next conclave.
Have been praying for a Pope from Africa as our next Pope.
Me, too Fr. Paul.
“Ambongo said that the language used in Fiducia Supplicans is ‘too subtle for simple people to understand” and that it is ‘very difficult to be convincing that people of the same sex who live in a stable union do not claim the legitimacy of their own status.’”
Cardinal Ambongo uses kind, diplomatic language. But the truth is Fiducia Supplicans is not “too subtle for simple people to understand,” but rather it is too stupid for anybody to take seriously.
A brilliant, crafty strategy by PF given the situation. Don’t force the issue in Africa for now, let it become commonplace in the West, and it will eventually make its way South and East. Kudos to the African bishops for standing up for Africa but it is a pity they are willing to accede to the practice in the rest of the Church. Long run, I count this as a win for PF and the progressives.
It might be a good time to say this – EVERYONE is welcome in Christ’s house, but it is HIS house, and the rules are HIS rules.
Yes. Precisely.
I voice my support for Cardinal Robert Sarah as the next Pope of Rome!
I believe that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. That said, I have good friends that have been exclusive partners for over 50 years and I do not judge them. They do not flaunt or promote their beliefs and are the kindest people. I see nothing wrong with a “blessing” that is clearly not a marriage ceremony. Neither am I the slightest bit confused over Pope Francis allowing this pastoral action. Pope Francis clearly seems to me to be acting as Christ would act. Furthermore, this desire to be sexuality with one of the same sex ( which I do not understand at all ) has been around since the dawn of mankind and is even found in various species of mammals, birds, etc.. It’s not common but it has been documented. I believe the Spirit is guiding Pope Francis and, since the world is a difficult place, we, as Christians, should be bringing the light of Christ by our kindness and welcoming attitude towards others. We give up nothing of our beliefs and practices by being accepting of others.
“Pope Francis clearly seems to me to be acting as Christ would act.”
Tell me, where and when specifically did Jesus bless homosexual individuals and couples? Where and when specifically did He reverse previous biblical teaching condemning homosexuality?
If Pope Francis seek to act as Christ, he would either say “no blessing of homosexual couples because it is contrary to what God says” or “yes to the blessing of homosexual unions = marriages because now we know that those who wrote the Scriptures were wrong”. I.e., he would be sincere either in his correct statement or in his wrong statement (homosexual unions must be blessed as a marriage, for the sake of the souls which must not live in fornication).
To be like Christ one must be bold and either stick to the divine Revelation no matter what or to decide that yes, the divine Revelation was wrong about it and it is a time to update the teaching – and to say so aloud, ex cathedra.
Of course, as soon as one does the latter, all will become terribly clear, won’t it?
“and I do not judge them.”
You should be judging their actions, which are sinful.
BXVI above – I think you may be right, unfortunately.
See “The most troubling aspect of Fiducia Supplicans”, Jeff Mirus in Catholic Culture, Jan. 9.