His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appreciated and commended the Programme for Christian–Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) for its impactful work and sustained commitment to building constructive and peaceful relations between Christian and Muslim communities across the continent.

The Pope made these remarks during a private audience with the PROCMURA delegation at the Vatican, where he recognised the contribution that PROCMURA has made over the years towards building peaceful communities amid contexts increasingly shaped by religious division, mistrust and social tensions that, more often than not, lead to deadly conflicts. In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasised the need and importance of cooperation between Christians and Muslims, noting that it is no longer optional in today’s context, but a necessary path towards stability and cohesion.

He highlighted lived situations in many parts of the world where religious identity intersects with conflict and division, noting that ongoing engagement among faith communities offers a practical solution in such environments. In this context, he recognised PROCMURA’s work across Africa, emphasising that its approach continues to show that people of different faiths can indeed coexist and collaborate despite their differences.

_{Pope Leo XIV addressing the PROCMURA delegation.}

“I express my appreciation for your commitment to fostering fraternity between Christians and Muslims. Your ongoing dialogue with the Dicastery is a positive sign. Calling Christians, guided by Christ’s love, to foster communion and deepen our commitment to Christian-Muslim cooperation for the sake of the common good. In a world that is increasingly marked by religious radicalisation and conflicts, your shared witness shows that it is possible to live and work together in peace and harmony despite cultural and religious differences,” Pope Leo XIV noted.

These reflections by Pope fully align with PROCMURA’s long-standing approach, which focuses on fostering constructive, mutually beneficial relationships at the community level among people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and on supporting platforms that enable direct engagement for sustainable peace and peaceful coexistence.

The PROCMURA delegation to the Vatican was led by the General Adviser, Bishop (Dr.) Nathan Samwini, and Team Leader, Ms Joy Wandabwa, alongside Rev. Dr. Andrew Ashdown, Chairperson of PROCMURA’s European partners.

_{The General Adviser of PROCMURA Bishop (Dr.) Nathan Samwini during the introductions.}

Reflecting on the visit, Bishop Samwini noted that the Pope’s message speaks directly to the realities PROCMURA continues to encounter daily in its work across the continent. He pointed to the need for sustained engagement grounded in trust and informed by lived experience across all communities at the grassroots level.

Ms Wandabwa observed that the Pope’s audience comes at a time when faith-based actors are increasingly expected to respond to complex social and religious challenges that are threatening freedom of worship, peace, and peaceful coexistence across Africa. She noted that the work requires consistency, openness, and the ability to create spaces where communities can engage constructively, even in difficult contexts, something which PROCMURA is fully dedicated to.

_{The Team Leader of PROCMURA Ms. Joy Wandabwa.} 

On his part, Rev. Dr. Ashdwon noted; “In the past 6 months, I have seen for myself in some of the most conflicted areas of Africa - northern Togo, northern Cameroon and northern Kenya - the transformative impact of PROCMURA's work amongst local communities in nurturing reconciliation, building peaceful coexistence where previously there was violence and radicalisation, and addressing some of the complex social challenges that contribute to social and religious violence.”

_{The Chairman of PROCMURA's European Partners, Rev. Dr. Andrew Ashdown.}

The Pope also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s position on interreligious relations, emphasising openness to what is true and good in other faith traditions. He highlighted the importance of working together, mutual respect, and responsible engagement, calling on religious leaders and institutions to actively address prejudice, violence, and social division.

_{Pope Leo XIV arriving for the private meeting with the PROCMURA delegation.}

The meeting at the Vatican reinforced the importance of steady, localised engagement and the role of faith communities in holding societies together, particularly in environments where divisions can easily deepen.

As discussions on interreligious relations continue to develop at both global and local levels, PROCMURA remains dedicated to practical engagement, sustained relationships, and shared responsibility. The private audience with Pope Leo XIV and his commendation of PROCMURA’s work in Africa strengthened PROCMURA’s spirit of collaboration and partnership in addressing contextual issues that have been causing religious tensions and mistrust across the continent.