[TO THE DEPUTATION OF CHRISTIAN NEGROES]
AUDIENCE WITH CHARLES-MARTIAL-ALLEMAND LAVIGERIE,
ARCHBISHOP OF CARTHAGE AND PRIMATE OF AFRICA
MAY 24, 1888


Since Africa is the principal theatre of this traffic [of slavery], and the land appropriated by the slave-trade, we recommend to all missionaries who preach the Holy Gospel there to consecrate their strength, and even their lives, to that sublime work of redemption. We recommend them also to ransom as many slaves as it may be possible for them to do, or at least to obtain for the slaves all the solace of the most tender charity. But it is upon you, above all, my Lord Cardinal, that we count for the success of the work and the missions of Africa. We know your active and intelligent zeal; we know all that you have done up to this day, and we have full confidence that you will not rest until you have brought your great enterprise to a happy end.

LEO XIII



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