Among those he welcomed were the President of SECAM and Catholic Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, as well as the President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda.
During the meeting, President Kagame shared Rwanda's journey of recovery and development, emphasizing that for humanity to thrive, both the state and religious institutions must play active roles.
'Rwanda's history represents both the worst and the best of humanity - a reminder that those with responsibilities, both in the state and the church, must harness the best of humanity,' he noted.
'Failure has happened before, but good people don't accept to be held hostage by it. We must learn from our history, work together, and prepare the ground for hope, reconciliation, and peace, not just in Rwanda, but across our continent,' President Kagame added.
The SECAM gathering in Kigali began on July 31, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on August 3. It has brought together 13 Cardinals, 100 bishops, and more than 70 priests from various African countries.
At the official opening, Cardinal Ambongo thanked Rwanda for hosting the event, calling it a model nation that overcame a painful past to rebuild itself. He also expressed appreciation to President Kagame for sending a government representative to the opening.
President Kagame was represented at the opening ceremony by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who called on the Catholic bishops to play an active role in addressing the challenges facing Africa, including conflicts, and to contribute to the continent's economic development.
This 20th SECAM plenary assembly in Kigali is held under the theme: 'Christ the Source of Hope, Unity, Reconciliation, and Peace: A Vision for the Church-Family of God in Africa over the Next 25 Years.'
IGIHE
