Bridges, Not Walls: Carrying Africa’s Spirit to the Vatican

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In this episode, host Sr. Helen Kasaka, sits down for a historic conversation with Fr. Isaac Zachariah Mutelo, O.P., following his landmark appointment by Pope Leo XIV as a Consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

​Representing the Pan African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), Fr. Isaac shares his "son of the soil" perspective on bringing African academic excellence and lived wisdom to the heart of the universal Church.

The discussion traverses his diverse background, from the ethics of Artificial Intelligence to the practical realities of Muslim-Christian relations in Zambia and Southern Africa.

​Key highlights of the conversation include:

​A "Dialogue of Life": Why interreligious engagement in Africa is a daily condition for peace rather than an abstract concept.

​The Dominican Charism: How the pursuit of Veritas (Truth) serves as a tool for bridge-building and humility rather than a weapon of argument.

​Pastoral Impact: Moving dialogue beyond "big words" in Rome to concrete actions in local villages and cities.

​Global Citizenship: How being shaped by Zambian, South African, and Zimbabwean identities prepares a leader for the global stage.

​Join us for an inspiring look at how the "soul of a continent" is shaping the future of global faith and diplomacy.