(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the bishops of Guinea on Monday, who are here
in Rome for their ad limina visits. The small west African nation, with its
capital in the coastal city of Conakry, has recently experienced a period of intense
political upheaval, with several coups and attempted coups covering the period from
2008-2010, when the first presidential elections judged to be “free and fair” were
held since the country achieved independence in 1958.
Guinea’s population is
predominantly Muslim, with a significant minority – about 10% of people – professing
Catholic faith.
In remarks prepared for the three visiting Guinean bishops
(H.E. Vincent Coulibaly of Conakry, H.E. Emmanuel Félémou of Kankan and H.E. Raphaël
Balla Guilavogui of N’Zérékoré), and delivered to them in writing during the course
of their audience, the Holy Father expressed, “Joy and gratitude for the great work
of evangelization which is accomplished in Guinea.”
Pope Francis went on to
say, “The Church needs [the bishops of Guinea] and [their] communion,” with the bishop
of Rome, who is the Church’s universal pastor. “Discord among Christians,” said Pope
Francis, “is the greatest obstacle to evangelization.” Listen: