Pope Francis held a meeting with the Society of the Missionaries of Africa and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, also known as White Sisters and Fathers, for the traditional color of their habits.
Pope Francis thanked them for their work as bridge builders between people, especially between Christians and Muslims.
POPE FRANCIS
'Where the Lord has sent you, you can help to grow a culture of encounter and be at the service of a dialogue that, in respect to differences, knows how to extract the richness of the diversity of others. I thank you especially for the work you have done in favor of dialogue with Islam, with Muslim brothers and sisters.'
He also praised the work begun decades ago. It strives to help the most forgotten and marginalized people in their country and their love for Africa. It follows the charism of their founder, who was a pioneer in the fight against slavery in the 19th century.
POPE FRANCIS
“In the wake of Cardinal Lavigerie, you are called to sow hope, fighting against all of today's forms of slavery. To be close to the little ones and the poor, to those who wait, those in the suburbs of our society, to be recognized in their dignity, to be welcomed, protected, raised, accompanied, promoted and integrated.”
This year, they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of this missionary foundation created in Algeria that today is present in 41 countries around the world.
