Catholic leaders urge faith-driven leadership in Malawi and West Africa

Catholic leaders in Malawi and West Africa are emphasizing the role of faith in community leadership and social transformation. In Malawi, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe held a leadership training for the Catholic Women Association (CWA) executive of the Mtima Woyera Deanery. Father Frank Lazalo Phiri urged members to use their leadership roles to address national challenges such as corruption and mistrust, stating that living one's faith is essential for empowerment and change.

The training also focused on moral principles and financial management, with facilitators encouraging women to model virtues and practice proper accountability and resource management within their parishes and small Christian communities.

In West Africa, the inaugural West African Youth Day concluded in Ghana. Bishop Touabli, President of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), encouraged young Catholics to be seekers of peace and bearers of hope. Bishop Mathew Kwafi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, noted that the week-long gathering allowed young people to deepen their faith and explore ways to prevent violence and promote peace through evangelization and social media.