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Archbishop Samedi calls for a renewed push for peace in the Central African Republic
As the Central African Republic continues its efforts to rebuild after years of crisis, the Coadjutor Archbishop of Bangui has underscored the Church’s role in promoting communion, dialogue and peace.
Moriba Camara, S.J. — Vatican City
Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadera met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on the morning of Thursday, 1 October 2026. Archbishop Joseph Samedi, S.J., Coadjutor Archbishop of Bangui, hopes the meeting will mark “a new chapter of renewal within the country, characterised by peace, development and national cohesion.”
Walking together in communion
That hope, for renewal, was at the heart of a recent diocesan assembly of the Archdiocese of Bangui.
Citing the country’s economic and political situation, Archbishop Samedi said the diocesan assembly chose “communion” as its theme, inspired by the Synod on Synodality.
“We chose this theme to bring us together, because it is about walking together in communion,” he said.
Pointing to the Holy Trinity as a model of communion and unity, the archbishop said Christians are called to live in unity despite their differences. “How can we, as Christians, live together without being divided?” he asked, stressing the need to promote “peace, coexistence and dialogue.”
Church and state working together
Archbishop Samedi identified several challenges facing the Archdiocese of Bangui, including family ministry, the formation of future priests, support for different communities and financial management. Beyond these pastoral concerns, he emphasised the importance of peace and rebuilding the Central African Republic.
“The Church intends to contribute to the country’s recovery in every area,” he said. The Catholic Church, he noted, has historically played an important role during periods of crisis in the country. He expressed hope that dialogue between the Church and public authorities would continue, particularly in education and training.
“The Church will do its part to help re-build our country,” he said.
Pope Leo meets Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra i (ANSA)
Towards sustainable and lasting peace
Commenting on the president’s recent visit to Pope Leo XIV, the coadjutor archbishop said he hoped that encounter with the Holy Father would encourage the president and his government to redouble their efforts towards development and national cohesion.
“We hope that after this meeting, the president has come back home with a strong desire to pursue nation-building, where no one will be left behind or excluded,” Archbishiop Samedi said.
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