The speech of Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, before the young people of the Catholic Church and that of Mboso Nkodia, are widely commented on by the newspapers published this Monday in Kinshasa.
Addressing the first subject, The Journal announced that the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, spoke on Sunday November 24, 2024 to young Catholics
liques of Kinshasa. It was, he continues,
at the Saint Raphaël de Limete parish. This day, explains this daily, coincided with the feast of Christ the King of the universe. This, before revealing that during his speech, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo encouraged young people to walk with Christ.
Also addressing the same subject , The Daily indicated that during his homily, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo returned to the debate around the constitutional revision in the Democratic Republic of Congo by the regime in place. According to this general information tabloid, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, in a firm tone, criticized this approach, because for him, the priorities of Congolese society are currently elsewhere.
Africanews for his part, took up the archbishop’s questions regarding the importance of revising or changing the constitution.
« Is it the constitutional change that will give you a job after finishing your university studies? Who will allow you to leave Masina and arrive downtown on time? Who will end the traffic jam problems?“, writes the newspaper.
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Advocating for constitutional change
Pour The Winnerafter the rally held at the Vélodrome stadium in Kintambo, the Convention for the Republic and Democracy (CRD), led by Christophe Mboso, continued its plea for change in the Constitution on Sunday, November 24.
For his part, Africanews revealed that during his meeting, the second Vice President of the National Assembly, Christophe Mboso, insisted on the importance of changing the Constitution of the DR Congo.
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Emongo Gérôme
2024-11-25 12:13:00
#Press #review #Monday #November #
How does Cardinal Ambongo address the relationship between constitutional reform and the immediate social challenges faced by young people in the DRC?
**Interview with Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo: The Role of Youth and Constitutional Debate in DRC**
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Cardinal Ambongo, for joining us today. You recently addressed young Catholics in Kinshasa during a significant event at the Saint Raphaël de Limete parish on the Feast of Christ the King. What were the key messages you hoped to convey to the youth?
**Cardinal Ambongo:** Thank you for having me. My main message to the young people was a call to walk with Christ and to embody the values of faith and service in their daily lives. It’s essential that they understand their role not only as members of the Church but as active participants in their communities. They are the future of the Church and our country, and I encourage them to be leaders in both realms.
**Interviewer:** You also took the opportunity to comment on the ongoing discussion about constitutional revision in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Can you elaborate on your concerns regarding this issue?
**Cardinal Ambongo:** Absolutely. While constitutional matters are essential, I believe that the immediate needs of our society should take precedence. In my sermon, I questioned whether changing the constitution would actually address critical issues like unemployment, public transportation problems, and the daily struggles that our young people face. For instance, we need solutions that will help graduates find jobs and improve their quality of life, rather than getting bogged down with political processes that don’t yield immediate benefits for the people.
**Interviewer:** It seems there’s a considerable public reaction to your comments. How do you feel about the role of public figures, especially in the Church, in political discussions such as this?
**Cardinal Ambongo:** The Church has a moral obligation to speak out on issues that affect the well-being of its congregation. When I address political matters, it is not to engage in politics per se, but to advocate for justice and the needs of the vulnerable. It’s crucial that we hold our leaders accountable and remind them of their responsibility to the people they serve. Our voices can inspire change and prompt those in power to prioritize the genuine needs of our society.
**Interviewer:** You’ve received attention lately due to a judicial inquiry opened against you following your comments. How do you perceive this development, especially considering the current political climate?
**Cardinal Ambongo:** The inquiry is concerning, particularly as it raises questions about freedom of expression in our country. I stand firm in my beliefs and my duty to speak on behalf of those who cannot do so. My messages are rooted in the Gospel, which calls for truth and justice. I hope that my silence will not be expected, and that the Church can continue its vital role in fostering dialog and advocating for the rights of all citizens.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Cardinal Ambongo, for sharing your insights today. Your perspectives on youth engagement and constitutional matters are critical at this juncture in DRC.
**Cardinal Ambongo:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital issues. I urge everyone to remain hopeful and engaged in the pursuit of a better future for our nation.
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This interview highlights Cardinal Ambongo’s engagement with youth and the broader societal issues facing the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing his role as both a spiritual leader and a voice for social justice.