The Catholic Church in Rwanda has emphasized the importance of continued meetings between bishops from Rwanda and Burundi, despite the closure of their shared border. According to Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Rwandan Catholic Bishops' Conference, these meetings are crucial for maintaining good relations between the two countries and providing reassurance to Christians. The border closure has made travel between the two nations difficult, but the bishops are determined to continue their regular meetings.
The meetings between the Rwandan and Burundian bishops have a long history, dating back to before 1963 when they were part of a single bishops' conference. Although they have since become separate entities, they have maintained the tradition of meeting twice a year to discuss issues affecting the Church and the people of both countries. The most recent meeting took place in Bujumbura from November 9-12, 2026, and was attended by Cardinal Kambanda and other bishops from both countries.
Cardinal Kambanda expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Burundi and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries. He noted that the meetings are not only a way to strengthen the relationship between the bishops but also to show solidarity with the people of both countries who are affected by the border closure. The cardinal also expressed his hope that the meetings will help to promote peace and understanding between Rwanda and Burundi.
The meetings between the Rwandan and Burundian bishops are part of a broader effort to promote ecumenism and interfaith dialogue in the region. The bishops discussed various issues affecting the Church and the people of both countries, including the impact of the border closure on trade and travel. They also prayed for peace and stability in the region and called for an end to the border closure.
The border closure between Rwanda and Burundi has had significant economic and social impacts on both countries. The closure has disrupted trade and travel, causing hardship for people who rely on the border for their livelihood. The bishops' meetings are seen as a way to promote understanding and cooperation between the two countries and to find solutions to the challenges posed by the border closure.
The Catholic Church has played an important role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Rwanda and Burundi. The Church has a long history of involvement in social and humanitarian work in the region and has often served as a mediator in conflicts. The meetings between the Rwandan and Burundian bishops are part of this broader effort to promote peace and understanding in the region.
The next meeting between the Rwandan and Burundian bishops is expected to take place in Rwanda. Cardinal Kambanda expressed his hope that the meetings will continue to promote peace and understanding between the two countries and that they will help to strengthen the relationship between the Church and the people of both nations. The meetings are seen as a positive step towards promoting peace and cooperation in the region.
Key points
- The Catholic bishops of Rwanda and Burundi have met to strengthen their relationship and show solidarity despite the closure of their shared border.
- The meetings between the bishops are part of a broader effort to promote ecumenism and interfaith dialogue in the region.
- The border closure has had significant economic and social impacts on both countries, and the bishops' meetings are seen as a way to promote understanding and cooperation.
