Pope Leo XIV delivered a stirring message of hope and unity to the faithful of Burundi during a special audience with members of the Monsignor Courtney Fraternity on pilgrimage to Rome. Addressing the delegation ahead of his General Audience on October 22, 2025, the Pope urged Burundians to remain steadfast in their faith and to nurture the hope for a better world, even amid adversity. His words carried deep resonance for a people who have endured years of conflict and hardship, and who continue to seek healing and reconciliation in their communities.
The Monsignor Courtney Fraternity, named in honor of Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, the Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi who was tragically assassinated in 2003, serves as a living tribute to his legacy of peace and dialogue. Pope Leo’s message drew on the theme of Jubilee 2025, emphasizing that “Hope does not disappoint,” and reminding the faithful that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church’s mission and the source of enduring hope. He encouraged Burundians to walk as pilgrims of peace, restoring Christ to the center of their lives and becoming agents of reconciliation in a world often marked by division and despair.
The Pope’s address comes at a pivotal moment for Burundi, a nation striving to rebuild its institutions and strengthen its social fabric after years of political unrest. His call to keep hope alive was not only a spiritual exhortation but also a moral affirmation of the Church’s role in promoting justice, compassion, and human dignity. By invoking the memory of Archbishop Courtney, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to standing with those who suffer and to fostering a future rooted in faith and solidarity.
For the Burundian pilgrims, the encounter with Pope Leo XIV was both a moment of spiritual renewal and a powerful reminder of their mission as bearers of hope. As they return home, his message serves as a beacon, encouraging them to persevere in faith, to build bridges of understanding, and to remain united in their pursuit of a more just and peaceful society. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, the Pope’s words shine as a testament to the enduring power of hope and the transformative strength of faith.