As part of the preparations for the Continental Training of Scout Chaplains scheduled for July 2026 in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Africa Regional Committee of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS Africa) continues its efforts to foster dialogue and communion with the country’s ecclesiastical authorities.
In this context, Mr. Pascal Mwangala, Secretary General of ICCS Africa, was received by His Excellency Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubumbashi and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO).
This audience reflects ICCS Africa’s commitment to strengthening the bonds between Catholic Scouting and the Church in order to more effectively support the educational, spiritual, and evangelizing mission of the Scout Movement in service of African youth.
Discussions focused on the spiritual accompaniment of young people, the strategic role of chaplains in their holistic formation, and the challenges currently facing Catholic Scout movements across Africa. Particular attention was given to the continental gathering scheduled for July in Lubumbashi, organized by ICCS Africa, which will bring together priests, religious men and women, and Scout leaders from several African countries around a common objective: strengthening the quality of pastoral accompaniment within Catholic Scouting.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to present several initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation between the Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the national Scout structures, with a focus on serving young people, promoting Gospel values, and fostering integral human development.
Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu praised ICCS Africa’s commitment to African youth and encouraged Scout leaders to continue their mission with faith, determination, and hope. He assured Mr. Pascal Mwangala and the entire African Catholic Scout family of his spiritual closeness, support, and prayers for the success of the upcoming activities.
For ICCS Africa, this audience represents a strong sign of ecclesial communion and an important step in the preparation of the July continental gathering. It also reflects the Church’s continued interest in Catholic Scouting as a privileged space for formation in faith, leadership, service, and fraternity.
As Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, the training of Scout chaplains is more than ever an investment in the future. By strengthening those who accompany young people on their human and spiritual journey, ICCS Africa contributes to forming a generation of committed citizens, responsible believers, and builders of hope at the service of the Church and society.
ICCS Africa