John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel is ‘bearer of hope’ for communities

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 President 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.”

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.