This is the eighth in an occasional series exploring the contributions of different parts of the globe to the upcoming Synod on Synodality in October. Last week, I provided an overview of the African continental document written in preparation for the Synod on Synodality this October, identifying the main themes in the document. The document also calls for greater inculturation, the development of an authentic African Christianity, through listening to local cultures.
By my count there are 68 delegates from Africa. This is somewhat smaller than the delegation from Latin America and the Caribbean. On the other hand, no Synod participants from the Roman Curia are from Africa, and only three African delegates were selected directly by Pope Francis.
In addition, several religious and lay delegates and non-voting experts are from Africa. Luckily, I was able to identify all of the delegates from Africa. Bishops and other delegates from Egypt, however, participated in the Continental Assembly for the Middle East, and so I am counting Synod participants from Egypt as belonging to the Middle East. Although none of the Roman Curia officials participating in the Synod are from Africa, that does not mean that Africa will be lacking prominent episcopal leaders.
Ambongo replaced Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya in Kinshasa, the latter of whom was a massively important figure in the DRC and was at one point considered a possible contender for the papacy. Pope Francis appointed Ambongo as archbishop in and named him a cardinal the following year. In , Francis added him to the Council of Cardinal Advisers , a small group of cardinals from throughout the world who advise Francis on matters of governance.
Two more recent appointments to the College of Cardinals will also be attending the Synod. Nzapalainga was the first cardinal born after the Second Vatican Council.
