DePaul’s Global Conversations initiative has given us global exposure as a provider of quality virtual opportunities for students around the world to connect and dialogue on themes of contemporary global relevance. As a result of this work, DePaul was asked by a coalition of organizations connected with the Vatican to host a historic special global conversation with Pope Francis. On All Saints Day , November 1 2022, DePaul coordinated and hosted a Global Conversation between Pope Francis and 10 students from Catholic universities in the African countries of Cameroon, Côte D’Ivoire, Congo - Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The theme of the conversation was "Ubuntu: A Culture of Encounter; We All Belong," which prompted students to dialogue on the needs of the global church and how they are connected to one another.
During this conversation which was broadcasted via YouTube all over the world, students from universities and seminaries in Africa posed their pressing questions to Pope Francis on topics such as global health inequities, ecological justice, and how they can help end war, hunger, poverty, corruption, and the displacement of people in crisis. Pope Francis addressed students’ questions and provided them a sense of hope.
This event served as the second in a series of youth conversations between university students and Pope Francis. The previous conversation was held in February 2022 with youth across the Americas. DePaul’s Fr. Stan Chu Ilo, professor with the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology, who also serves as member of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network, was a key coordinator of the DePaul event liaising between the Vatican, DePaul, and the youth in Africa. Other key members of the conversation were DePaul Student Government Association (SGA) President Kevin Holechko, who provided a welcome address, and Sr. Rosemary Nyirumbe from Uganda, who gave the concluding remarks. The fruits of both youth conversations will be shared with the Synod of Bishops, a process of consultation between the pope and bishops in the Catholic Church.
Kelvin Takudzwa Tsuro from Zimbabwe, Twiza Nachilongo from Zambia, Clevine Kavira from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Devis Ampereza from Uganda, Akakpo Ghislain from Cote d’Ivoire, Biligui Nelly Didiane from Cameroon, Joelle Massengo from Congo Brazzaville, Eddah Nabwire from Kenya, and Osemeke Augustine Chidera from Nigeria engaged in dialogue with Pope Francis who encouraged students to be leaders in their countries, communities and in the global church, staying true to their roots.
The event can be viewed in three languages: English | Spanish | French
Organizers
- The Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology, DePaul University, Chicago
- The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network
- The Pontifical Commission on Latin America
- The Communication Commission of the Synod of Bishops
- The Dicastery on Communication