West African bishops meet for their 5th Plenary Assembly

The 5th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops of West Africa (RECOWA / CERAO) took place from May 5 to 12, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal, with representatives from 16 countries and the participation of over 100 bishops. The theme was: "For a synodal and self-reliant Church in the service of justice and peace in West Africa."

The last occasion for this significant ecclesial event was in May 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.

During the sessions, participants at the Plenary Assembly frequently recalled the legacy of the Magisterium of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

Among the various contributions, the opening ceremony featured a notable speech by the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Topics addressed included: a synodal Church where all walk together in co-responsibility, a synodal Church where gifts are shared among local Churches, a self-sustaining Church where resources are generated from within, a peaceful and conflict-free West Africa, ecological justice for all, and West Africa as a region called to promote a healthy form of governance in both the Church and in States.

On May 7, the regional coordinator of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Mario Almeida, delivered a speech on migration ministry in which was issued a "call for cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination." He highlighted the work of the Atlantic Hospitality Network, the Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of Senegal, the example of the Church in Mauritania, and the great efforts of welcome and integration carried out by the Church in Spain (starting with the two dioceses of the Canary Islands).

This speech was the only one representing the Holy See, as the three Cardinals from the Roman Curia who were scheduled to attend were unable to be present due to the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.

At the end of the assembly, the bishops approved and published a final message along with a document containing resolutions and recommendations.

At the same time, at another location, a workshop of the Atlantic Hospitality Network was held on May 8 and 9.