Dakar, Senegal — The John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel has entered what Church officials describe as a new phase of renewal, following papal approval of its updated Statute and a high-level review meeting in Senegal.
The Foundation’s 44th Board session, held February 11–16 in Dakar, came shortly after Pope Leo XIV formally approved the revised Statute on January 29.
Established in 1984 to respond to drought, desertification and famine in the Sahel region, the Foundation supports development and humanitarian initiatives across nine countries in West Africa.
“A Particularly Encouraging Sign”
Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, attended the session on behalf of the Holy See.
In a statement, she praised the unity and collaborative spirit of the Board, describing it as “a particularly encouraging sign.”
“I witnessed a deeply united Board, animated by a genuine spirit of collaboration and great sensitivity to the challenges and sufferings of the Sahel,” she said.
She added that the approval of the new Statute and the election of new leadership mark “important steps that open a new phase for the Foundation,” which the Vatican intends to accompany “in a spirit of service, solidarity and confidence in the future.”
Focus on Regional Challenges
During the session, Board members held a roundtable discussion reviewing the social, political and security situation in the nine member countries: Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Chad.
They examined the life and works of local Churches, assessed ongoing projects and considered the significant humanitarian challenges facing communities in the region.
Despite persistent insecurity and economic hardship, members highlighted progress in various sectors as signs of hope — particularly where the Foundation’s support has enabled concrete development initiatives.
New Leadership and Budget Approval
The Board renewed its leadership during the session.
Bishop Hassa Florent Kone, previously appointed Pontifical Delegate by Pope Francis and confirmed by Pope Leo XIV, was elected President of the Foundation.
Bishop Victor Ndione, Bishop of Nouakchott and Apostolic Administrator for Mauritania, was elected Vice-President.
The Board also approved the 2026 budget, allocating the largest share of funds to support development projects submitted by local communities.
Message to the Pope
The session opened with prayer and included a message of gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for approving the revised Statute. Board members also informed the Pope of ongoing concerns regarding the difficult security and humanitarian situation across parts of the Sahel.
The Foundation concluded its meeting by sending messages to Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, and to the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
As the Sahel continues to face climate pressures, food insecurity and political instability, Church leaders say the Foundation’s projects remain tangible “bearers of hope” — supporting communities striving for resilience and sustainable development in one of the world’s most fragile regions.