African Catholic Leaders Address Insecurity, Urge Poor Support Across Continent

Father Steven Theobald made history in 1910 as the first Black priest in Minnesota and the first Black priest west of the Mississippi, serving as pastor of the Church of Saint Peter Claver and leaving a lasting legacy honored by many. The Catholic Church is witnessing significant shifts in leadership and identity, exemplified by the election of an American pope, Leo, who embodies the Church's growing diversity and global reach, particularly with ties to Latin America and Africa. Meanwhile, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) emphasizes hope rooted in Christ amid ongoing socio-political challenges across Africa, highlighting the Church's commitment to synodality and unity over the next 25 years. These developments reflect a broader reclamation of the Church’s African roots and an evolving vision for its future as a diverse and diasporic community. Separately, Good Faith Magazine announced changes to its Bible study curriculum for 2026, transitioning to a rotating team of contributors to provide fresh perspectives while maintaining a commitment to deep scriptural engagement for lay audiences.