CAFOD Director Dr Christine Allen responds to Pope Leo's first year in office.
“Witnessing Pope Leo emerge onto the balcony of St Peter’s as the new Pope a year ago was a very moving experience. I remember the crowd’s reaction, hearing him speak first in Italian and then in fluent Spanish - powerfully illustrating that the Pope is a leader for the whole world, regardless of nationality. I was fortunate to be standing next to a Nigerian priest who graciously translated the Pope’s words into English for a few of us nearby - another example of the Pope’s message stretching beyond borders right there in the square, where tens of thousands of people from around the world had gathered to be a part of history.
“Already Pope Leo has travelled to Lebanon and across Africa, meeting those living out their faith in some of the most challenging contexts imaginable. In Lebanon, CAFOD partners are bringing hope to communities torn apart by conflict. At a time when many in Africa are living with the impact of war, unfair debt burdens and inequality, Pope Leo’s visit showed how we can ‘walk together’ as a global church.
“Over the last 12 months we have heard him repeatedly calling for ceasefires, an end to war, a return to dialogue, and working for peace. Pope Leo greeted the world from the balcony at St Peter’s with the words "peace be with all of you" and that’s a message he has continued to share, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“This voice of peace is vital. In a world so full of conflict, the Pope’s message of love has struck a chord with millions. In newsfeeds often overwhelmed by vitriol and hate, the Holy Father has consistently reminded world leaders of the need for dialogue instead of division. His words are a wake-up call for us all.”
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Officer
Melissa Nethersole, CAFOD Media Officer
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
CAFOD is the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
With your help, we reach out to people living in hard-to-reach places, in war zones and those who are discriminated against.
