2014-03-24 12:16:59

Pope Francis receives bishops of Guinea-Conakry


(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: RealAudioMP3








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