During a meeting held this Wednesday, October 22, in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV delivered an emotional greeting to a delegation from the Fraternité Monseigneur Courtney of Burundi, accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio in that country, Monsignor Dieudonné Datonou.
The Holy Father recalled the words of Saint Paul —“Hope does not disappoint” (Rm 5,5)— and related them to the motto of the 2025 Jubilee Year, reaffirming that Christian hope is founded on Jesus Christ, the sole source of life and salvation for the world.
“A family close to the Pope in Burundi”
Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for the Fraternity’s work in favor of the poor and the most vulnerable, highlighting their witness as “a family close to the Pope in Burundi,” which continues the work of the late Monsignor Michael Courtney, former Apostolic Nuncio in that country, assassinated in 2003 while serving as a mediator for peace.
The Pope praised the community’s efforts in building a monument in Minago, the site of the prelate’s assassination, and in developing a Health Center, as well as their daily charitable works and commitment to integral human promotion.
Call to persevere in faith and hope
In his speech, Leo XIV exhorted those present to “keep the hope of a better world” and to keep unity in Christ alive. He assured his prayers for Burundi and entrusted the Burundian people to the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary, imparting his apostolic blessing to the families and benefactors who support the fraternity’s works.
Below is the full message from Leo XIV
Greeting from Leo XIV to the delegation of the Fraternité Monseigneur Courtney (Burundi)
Paul VI Hall – Wednesday, October 22, 2025
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Peace be with you.
Good morning to all,
I cordially greet His Excellency Monsignor Dieudonné Datonou, Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi, and I welcome all the members of the Fraternité Monseigneur Courtney on pilgrimage to Rome.
“Spes non confundit” – “Hope does not disappoint” (Rm 5,5). This is how Pope Francis presented the Jubilee to us. But our hope is Jesus Christ. He, and He alone, is the hope of the Church and of the entire world. We are all aware that today the world needs this hope; that is why we walk as pilgrims, to encounter Him and to place Him once again at the center of our life and of the life of the world.
I am happy to welcome you on this journey of faith: you will return to your daily commitments strengthened in hope, better prepared to work for the integral development of each person in the light of the Gospel.
I want to thank each one of you for your availability and commitment to the most vulnerable people. In this way, you honor the memory of Monsignor Courtney, who gave himself for them and gave his life for peace in his beloved nation. In his memory, you are a family close to the Pope in Burundi, who feels sent on mission 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—, your involvement in the Health Center construction project, your daily charitable works with the needy, and so many other initiatives, are a strong message for the Church of your country.
Dear members of the Fraternité Monseigneur Courtney, I thank you for your visit and assure you of my most sincere encouragement for the continuation of your activities. Keep the hope of a better world; maintain the certainty that, united to Christ, your efforts bear fruit and receive their reward.
I entrust you, and your dear country, Burundi, to the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary, and from the heart I impart the Apostolic Blessing to you, to your families, and to the benefactors who work for the integral promotion of the Burundian people.