From Vatican News

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, expresses joy and gratitude following the election of Pope Leo XIV.

By Marie Duhamel and Linda Bordoni

Speaking to Vatican News shortly after the announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he was “very pleased with the choice of the cardinals,” acknowledging his surprise at the outcome but affirming his deep sense of happiness and trust in the new pontificate.

“I certainly offer a prayer for Pope Leo,” he said, “and pray for the beginning of his mission and for its success.”

rchbishop Broglio shared that he had met Pope Leo XIV during official visits to Rome as part of his role with the bishops’ conference, recalling a man marked by warmth, openness, and a genuine desire to collaborate, as well as during the Synod on Synodality.

“On both occasions,” he noted, “he was very cordial and demonstrated a great desire to be helpful and work together. I was very grateful for that.”

What is in a name?

The choice of the name “Leo” evokes rich associations with Church history, particularly Pope Leo XIII, remembered for his groundbreaking work on Catholic social teaching and his encyclical Rerum Novarum.

“It sparks the memory of Leo XIII,” Archbishop Broglio reflected, “who was the first pope to enunciate in a clear fashion the social doctrine of the Church.”

The name also speaks to the new Pope’s roots. “Since Leo came from the neighbourhood of Rome, I think the people of Rome, primarily, will be very happy,” he said.

A call for peace

Highlighting the state of the world today, Archbishop Broglio stressed the need for the Pope to be a voice for peace and dialogue amid the many crises unfolding across the globe.

“I think all of us are extremely troubled by the by the situations that continue to ignite in our world. I think now of Pakistan and  India, but we also have this disaster in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and so many parts of Africa. So that he would speak of peace, I think is essential. And I hope that he will be a pontiff who can further peace and dialogue in our world,” he said.

A united Church

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s words about a united Church, Archbishop Broglio agreed that this message is also important for the people of the United States.

“One of the things we have to learn is to listen to each other,” he said. “We may disagree, but each person is created in the image of God, and that should never be lost. I hope we hear his message as an invitation to be unified and to become instruments of dialogue.”

A universal shepherd

Archbishop Broglio also commented on Pope Leo’s international background—French and Italian by heritage, with pastoral experience in Latin America—as a gift to his universal ministry.

“I think it’s excellent,” he said. “Living in different parts of the world makes a big difference. It brings depth, perspective, and a richness that will help him guide the Church.”

He added that such global experience helps keep the Church from becoming “lost in its own backyard.”

A Pastor for all

Noting the Pope’s decision to speak in Italian during his first public address, Archbishop Broglio remarked on the pastoral significance of language.

“As the Bishop of Rome, I think it’s important he spoke Italian,” he said, while also acknowledging the comfort this choice brings to Spanish-speaking Catholics, especially in light of the recent passing of Pope Francis. “It will be reassuring to see that their new pastor can reach their hearts as well.”

Concluding, Archbishop Broglio offered prayers for Pope Leo XIV: “I wish him tranquillity and every success in his ministry.”

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, May 2, 2025 – In a major diplomatic victory, CARICOM member states, including Barbados, have successfully negotiated an exemption from newly proposed U.S. tariffs that threatened to disrupt vital shipping routes and drive up the cost of living across the Caribbean.

The breakthrough comes after weeks of coordinated lobbying by regional governments, private sector stakeholders, and shipping companies, following the Trump administration’s plan to impose multimillion-dollar port fees on vessels made in China — the type commonly used to service Caribbean trade routes.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who currently chairs CARICOM, confirmed that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has granted the region an exemption from the tariffs. The move spares CARICOM nations from what many feared would have been a crippling blow to regional economies already grappling with global supply chain challenges.

“This is testimony to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Mottley. “The impact of these fees would have driven up the cost of living and hindered access to essential goods. By speaking with one voice — governments, business leaders, and labor across our countries — we have protected the interests of our people.”

The U.S. had earlier announced a 10% reciprocal tariff on exports from several Caribbean nations, including The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, and others. This was part of a broader policy shift under President Trump aimed at countering what Washington considers unbalanced trade practices by applying equal tariffs to countries that levy duties on American goods.

However, the newly proposed port fees on Chinese-built ships were viewed as disproportionately harmful to the Caribbean, where such vessels are essential to maintaining trade links. According to Gervase Warner, chairman of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), these fees — exceeding US$1 million per U.S. port call — would have increased shipping costs significantly and caused inflation, shortages, and logistical delays.

Warner praised Mottley’s leadership and credited the collective regional response for swaying U.S. decision-makers. “We are grateful that the USTR recognized the devastating impact this would have had and acted accordingly,” he said.

The exemption highlights the power of unified regional diplomacy and underscores the importance of sustained engagement with major international partners.

“This success,” Mottley said, “goes beyond the immediate moment. It stands as a call to deepen our cooperation and defend our region’s interests, now and in the future.”

Washington, D.C. – April 25, 2025 — In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda today signed a Declaration of Principles aimed at paving the way for peace, stability, and economic integration in eastern DRC. The ceremony, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant step forward in efforts to resolve longstanding tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the DRC, while Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed for Rwanda. They were joined by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos, and U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Troy Fitrell.

The signing ceremony builds on the efforts of the African Union and other regional leaders who have long sought to address the complex and often violent conflict in the Great Lakes region. The Declaration of Principles establishes a framework for restoring normal bilateral relations between Rwanda and the DRC, reinforcing commitments to sovereignty, territorial integrity, security cooperation, and regional economic development.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Secretary Rubio said. “The United States is honored to support Rwanda and the DRC as they take this courageous step toward lasting peace and shared prosperity.”

The Declaration outlines key areas of cooperation, including mutual recognition of each country’s sovereignty and established borders, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prohibition of interference in internal affairs. It emphasizes the urgent need to address security threats posed by non-state armed groups operating along the shared border and commits both governments to refrain from providing support to such groups.

To enhance security, the two nations agreed to explore the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at combating armed groups and criminal organizations. This cooperation is viewed as essential not only for stability but also for expanding legitimate trade and broader economic collaboration across the region.

In an ambitious economic vision, Rwanda and the DRC pledged to develop a phased regional integration framework, building on organizations like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC). They plan to link this framework with U.S.-supported investments in infrastructure, hydropower, mineral supply chain transparency, and national park management.

The Declaration also addresses the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict. Both countries committed to working with UN agencies to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

In addition, the two countries reaffirmed their support for the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO and other regional mechanisms, ensuring protection for civilians and facilitating the implementation of the principles outlined in the Declaration.

Finally, in alignment with ongoing initiatives such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes, the two governments committed to drafting an initial Peace Agreement by May 2, 2025. Any disputes arising from the draft will be addressed through a Foreign Minister-level meeting in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. State Department.

Signed in duplicate in English, today’s agreement marks a hopeful new chapter in Rwanda-DRC relations, offering a potential blueprint for peace and development across one of Africa’s most conflict-affected regions.