Young people drawn from various Catholic Universities in Africa are set to engage with Pope Francis in a dialogue that is aimed at stirring full participation of the youth in the ongoing preparations for the Synod on Synodality.

Pope Francis, will on November 1, 2022, meet virtually with young Nigerian Catholics and others from 27 institutions across nine African countries.

Fr. Stan Chu Ilo who is coordinating the event said that over 1,000 African university students will have an opportunity to engage with the Holy Father in the envisioned virtual Synodal conversation.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome after attending the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the Second Vatican Council, Fr. Stan said, “I am looking forward to moderating the conversation between Pope Francis and the African young people from many Catholic universities in Africa.”

The virtual session tagged “Building Bridges Across Africa: A Synodal Encounter between Pope Francis and University Students,” has as its theme: “Ubuntu: A Culture of Encounter; We All Belong.”

The day which coincided with the Solemnity of All Saints Day celebrated by Catholics worldwide, is also a day set aside for African Youth Day.

Some selected institutions from Nigeria participating in the dialogue include Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan; All Saints Major Seminary, Uhiele, Ekpoma; Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu; and Madonna University, Elele.

Others are Augustine University, Lagos; Good Shepherd Seminary; Kaduna; Veritas University, Abuja and Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Launched in 2020, the Synod on Synodality specifically stands out for involving people at the grassroots in the decision-making process of the Church, inviting all members of the Church to journey together as a community.

As part of this process, Pope Francis has participated in a listening session with Catholic university students from Latin America and North America. Now, he plans to have a similar engagement with African young people.

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