As the first apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to the African continent approaches, scheduled for April 13-23, the attention of the faithful and observers is focused on the priorities the Holy Father intends to emphasize. This journey, which will take the Supreme Pontiff to Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon, is seen as a moment of truth for interreligious relations and the social situation of the region.
Among the voices raised in anticipation of this event, that of Bishop John Niyiring of Kano, Nigeria, resonates with particular authority. An Augustinian religious like the Holy Father, Bishop Niyiring collaborated extensively with the man who was then Father Robert Prevost, notably during his term as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine between 2001 and 2013.
One of the major challenges of this visit lies in easing tensions between Christians and Muslims. For Bishop Niyiring, the current climate is marked by a form of mutual apprehension, particularly in nations where Islam is the majority religion, such as Algeria. Faced with the strengthening of the Muslim presence on the continent, the bishop underscores the urgency of authentic dialogue with religious leaders. According to him, only this approach can dispel the distrust and fear that paralyze communities. He thus expresses the hope that Pope Leo XIV will deliver a strong message on the necessity of this fraternal encounter.
Beyond the religious question, the African episcopate expects the Holy Father to clearly denounce the ills hindering human development. Bishop Niyiring points the finger at political corruption, lamenting that too many leaders prioritize access to power to the detriment of serving the people. The situation of young girls, often victims of trafficking networks or deprived of access to education, constitutes another major concern the bishop would like to see highlighted during this journey.
The Pope's closeness to African realities does not date from his election. Bishop Niyiring recalls that Robert Prevost played a decisive role in the erection of the Augustinian Province of Nigeria. His first canonical visit outside of Rome, in 2001, in fact took place in that country. As provincial superior from 2005, Bishop Niyiring worked closely with the future pontiff on numerous construction and development projects, benefiting from his active support in seeking funding.
The Nigerian prelate retains the memory of an attentive and serene leader, whose governance style was marked by great listening. "He always encouraged us to be open to the promptings of the Spirit and to accept change when situations demanded it," confides the Bishop of Kano. This capacity to seek new approaches in the face of complex problems could be, according to him, the key to the success of this apostolic mission on African soil.