The John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel holds a review in Senegal after Pope Leo XIV approved its new Statute, with Sr. Alessandra Smerilli praising the Foundation’s projects as “bearers of hope” for local communities.
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV recently issued a rescript approving the new Statute of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel, established in 1984 to alleviate the suffering of those living in this region and affected by drought, desertification, and famine.
Following the Pope’s approval, the Foundation’s Board of Directors held their 44th session in Dakar, Senegal, on February 11-16 to review the new Statute.
Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, attended the meeting on behalf of the Holy See.
In a statement, Sr. Smerilli described the cohesion and attention to realities on the ground in Africa, saying it constitutes “a particularly encouraging sign.”
She said she witnessed “a deeply united Board, animated by a genuine spirit of collaboration and great sensitivity to the challenges and sufferings of the Sahel.”
The statement expressed satisfaction for the adoption of the new Statute and the election of the new Presidaent and Vice-President.
Sr. Smerilli said these actions represent “important steps that open a new phase for the Foundation,” which the Dicastery intends to accompany “in a spirit of service, solidarity and confidence in the future.”
Message to the Pope
Sr. Smerilli opened with prayer, entrusting the session to the Lord, and the Board sent a message to Pope Leo to express its gratitude for the approval, on January 29, of the revised Statute of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel.
The Pope was also informed of concerns about the difficult situation in the countries of the region.
Roundtable discussion
During the session, the Board held a roundtable discussion to review the social, political, and security situation of each country that is part of the Foundation: Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Chad.
Their discussion considered the life of the local Churches, their works and outlook.
The Board also heard about the difficulties faced by local people, and examined progress made in various sectors of national life.
Members said these advancements represent signs of hope for these countries, where the Foundation’s support for projects has been significant.
Renewal of the Board
Bishop Hassa Florent Kone, appointed Pontifical Delegate of the Jean Paul II Foundation for the Sahel by Pope Francis and confirmed by Pope Leo XIV, presented a report on his mission, which concluded with the Pope’s approval of the Foundation’s Statute.
The vote renewing the Board of Directors resulted in his election as President, and in the election as Vice-President of Bishop Victor Ndione, Bishop of Nouakchott and Administrator for Mauritania.
The Board approved the 2026 budget, with its largest share dedicated to financing the projects submitted.
The Board of Directors then sent messages to the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, and to the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
