, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Catholic Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, has delivered a powerful appeal for spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and peace.){kind=link}
As Ethiopia begins the sacred season of the Great Fast (Lent), Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Catholic Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, has delivered a powerful appeal for spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and peace.
In his Lenten message, the Cardinal addressed the faithful at a time when Ethiopia continues to face security concerns and humanitarian challenges in several regions. Moving beyond the traditional understanding of fasting, he called for a deeper, Gospel-centered transformation rooted in what he described as “active listening” a path he believes is essential to healing divisions and rebuilding trust within the nation.
Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis and his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, the Cardinal emphasized that genuine dialogue begins in the heart. In a country marked by both man-made and natural crises, he described listening as the foundation for peace and social harmony.
“In listening, there is peace; in listening, there is rest; in listening, there is understanding; in listening, love flourishes. Within that love, our Lord Jesus Christ is present,” he said.
He urged Ethiopians to turn away from harmful rhetoric, gossip, and misinformation that often deepen tensions. Instead, he encouraged reflection, attentiveness to conscience, and openness to the Word of God as guiding lights during the Lenten season.
The Cardinal outlined three central pillars for observing the Great Fast Purity of Heart – Seeking the Kingdom of God through forgiveness and reconciliation, especially meaningful in light of recent regional instability.
Human Dignity – Upholding and protecting the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image of God.
Justice and Wisdom – Praying earnestly for national leaders to be guided by wisdom and a commitment to the common good.
Recognizing the suffering caused by conflict and displacement, he reminded the Church that fasting is incomplete without almsgiving and intercessory prayer. He called on Catholics both within Ethiopia and in the diaspora to extend solidarity to those in conflict-affected areas and to support efforts that promote peace and healing.
As the country journeys through Lent, the Cardinal’s message stands as both a spiritual invitation and a national appeal: to listen deeply, love generously, and work tirelessly for reconciliation.