In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Peace be with you!

Good morning to you all.

I cordially greet His Excellency Archbishop Dieudonné Datonou, apostolic nuncio to Burundi, and I welcome all of you, members of the Fraternité Monseigneur Courtney, on your pilgrimage to Rome.

“Spes non confundit! – in Latin - Hope does not disappoint!" (Rm 5:5). This is how Pope Francis presented the Jubilee to us. Our Hope is Jesus Christ! He, and He alone, is the Hope of the Church and of the whole world! We are all aware that today the world needs this hope; that is why we walk as pilgrims in order to encounter him and restore him to the centre of our lives and the life of the world.

I am therefore happy to welcome you on your journey of faith: you will return to your daily commitments strengthened in hope, better prepared to work for the integral development of every person in the light of the Gospel.

I would like to thank each one of you for your readiness and commitment to help vulnerable people. In this way, you honour the memory of Monsignor Courtney, who devoted himself to them and gave his life for peace in your beloved nation. In his memory, you are a family close to the Pope in Burundi, which seeks to serve the poor and the little ones in the name of Christ. Your contribution to the construction of a monument in Minago – the site of his assassination – as well as your involvement in the project to build a health centre, your daily charitable works towards the poor, and so many other initiatives, transmit a powerful message to the Church in your country.

Dear members of the Fraternité Monseigneur Courtney, I thank you for your visit and assure you of my sincere encouragement in the pursuit of your activities. Keep hope for a better world; be certain that, united with Christ, your efforts will bear fruit and obtain their reward. I entrust you and your beloved country, Burundi, to the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary, and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to you, your families and your benefactors who work for the integral promotion of the Burundian people.

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 22 October 2025