SECAM Bishops Close Plenary Assembly with 25,000 Youth in Rwanda

The 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly concluded in Kigali, Rwanda, with a Mass at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho, where young pilgrims from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee of Young People. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, re-elected SECAM President, encouraged the youth to embrace their faith and emulate Blessed Floribert Bwana Chui, a young martyr who died resisting corruption. Concurrently, in Rome, a global Jubilee for Young People took place, highlighted by a weeklong celebration including an outdoor vigil, overnight campout, and Mass led by Pope Leo XIV at the Tor Vergata field. Thousands of young Catholics participated in various spiritual activities such as confession at the Circus Maximus and profession of faith moments at St. Peter’s Square. These events reflect a worldwide focus on youth engagement within the Catholic Church during the 2025 Holy Year. Both celebrations underscore the Church's optimism about the future, centered on inspiring and commissioning young people in their faith journey.