East Africa Catholic Bishops Name Youth Pastoral Priority for Four Years

The assembly, which runs from July 19-26, 2026, brings together approximately 140 bishops to address the evolving social and spiritual needs of the region. The gathering serves as a platform for active diocesan bishops, auxiliary bishops, apostolic vicars, and emeritus bishops to deliberate on issues affecting the faithful, strengthen collaboration among member churches, and chart a common pastoral direction. Since its establishment in 1961, AMECEA has served as a platform for cooperation among local Churches, promoting evangelization, social justice, peacebuilding, education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and integral human development.

A Pastoral Pivot Toward Youth

Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, the AMECEA chairman and bishop of Zambia’s Catholic Diocese of Solwezi, announced the decision during the opening Eucharistic celebration. According to the bishops, this pastoral focus was intentionally adopted because young people are central to the future of both the Church and society. We, the bishops of the AMECEA region, make young people our pastoral priority over the next four years for three reasons, Kasonde stated during the celebration.

Kasonde identified the first objective of the commitment as strengthening young people’s sense of belonging to the Church. He explained that the bishops’ commitment seeks to affirm that it is worth the effort of young people to have a sense of belonging to this Holy Mother Church, the Catholic Church, for the future of humanity and indeed the future of the Church. He added: The future of the Church lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to give the coming generations reasons for living and hoping in faith.

Nairobi Conference Draws Thousands

Beyond the 140 bishops in attendance, more than 10,000 young people gathered in Nairobi for the conference, which focused on unity, hope, justice, and good governance. The conference, held at the Catholic University on Monday, July 20, 2026, brought together young people, religious leaders, and political leaders to discuss issues affecting the region’s youth and the future of society.

During the conference, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo stressed the urgency of the Church’s responsiveness to youth. “I may say I want to listen more attentively to what the Spirit is telling us through the vibrance and vitality that comes with youthful society. Not to pay attention to youthful society, not only smacks of recklessness, but is also tragically irresponsible,” Anyolo said.

Regional Institutional Reach

AMECEA unites the Catholic Episcopal Conferences of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, with the Apostolic Vicariate of Djibouti and Somalia serving as affiliate members. The composition of the 140 bishops reflects the diversity of the Church in the region. Ethiopia possesses the largest number of bishops in the AMECEA region, with about 50, owing to its extensive network of dioceses and Eastern Catholic jurisdictions. Tanzania follows with approximately 40 bishops.

As the assembly continues, the bishops are deliberating on their mission and the challenges facing millions of Catholics across Eastern Africa. By prioritizing this pastoral focus, the regional leaders aim to ensure that the Church remains a source of reconciliation and peace in a region undergoing rapid demographic and social change, emphasizing listening, dialogue, and synodal accompaniment.

Sources: Catholicworldreport, Ewtnnews.