Strategic Meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Suraphel D. CM

Santa Marta, Vatican City | October 13, 2024
IMCS Pax Romana is pleased to report on a significant and fruitful meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Suraphel D. CM, President of the Episcopal Conference of Ethiopia and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, held on October 13, 2024, at Santa Marta in Vatican City. This meeting underscored the strong relationship between our movement and the Church in Ethiopia, highlighting shared goals and future collaboration. Representing IMCS Pax Romana was Fasika Lachore Laba, Secretary General, who led the discussions with His Eminence.

Meeting Highlights

1. Presentation of Key Outcomes and Events:
   During the meeting, IMCS Pax Romana Secretary-General Fasika Lachore Laba shared:
   • The 2023 Empowerment Summit: This pivotal event emphasized youth leadership, encouraging active engagement in faith and society.
   • Catholic Peace Forum in Rome: A platform that brought together leaders to discuss peacebuilding and Catholic social responsibility.
   • Private Audience with the Holy Father (September 20, 2024): Reflections on this profound encounter were shared, including encouragement received from Pope Francis for our global mission.
2. Plans for upcoming events in Addis Ababa were also discussed, particularly the focus on engaging Ethiopian youth in meaningful dialogue and action.
3. Commitment from His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus:
   His Eminence expressed his enduring love and support for our movement and the work of the National Movement in Ethiopia. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting future initiatives, offering guidance and collaboration to ensure their success.
4. Recognition of Collaborative Efforts:
   The meeting provided an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the collective efforts of key contributors:
   • Br. Ayele SJ: For his dedication and accompaniment in fostering the growth of our movement.
   • Elisabeth Efrem: The National Coordinator of IMCS Pax Romana in Ethiopia was commended for her tireless work and unwavering commitment to advancing the mission in Ethiopia.

Outcomes and Next Steps

1. Strengthened Collaboration:
   The meeting reinforced the partnership between IMCS Pax Romana and the Church in Ethiopia, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration on upcoming projects in Addis Ababa and beyond.
2. Support for Future Events:
   With His Eminence’s gracious commitment, preparations for future events will focus on empowering Ethiopian youth, fostering unity, and advancing social justice initiatives.
3. Celebrating National Leadership:
   The recognition of local leadership, particularly through Elisabeth Efrem’s efforts, highlights the importance of cultivating strong, grassroots engagement in the movement.

Conclusion
This meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Suraphel D. CM was a testament to the shared mission of the Church and IMCS Pax Romana. It reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, dialogue, and action in empowering young people and promoting peace and social justice.

As we look ahead to our upcoming initiatives in Addis Ababa, we remain deeply grateful for the support and guidance of Church leaders, dedicated partners, and the unwavering commitment of our members. Together, we continue to strive toward a brighter, more inclusive future.