"We must help Africa, the hope of tomorrow": a conference by Father Pedro this Tuesday in Antibes

"We must help Africa; its youth are the hope of tomorrow." His resolute tone leaves no room for doubt. At nearly 77 years old, Pedro Pablo Opeka – known as Father Pedro – fervently continues the fight he began 36 years ago in Madagascar.

Missioned to the southeast of the island in 1970 as a mason in a parish, he was ordained a priest five years later.

The discovery of the monstrous dumps in Antananarivo, the capital, acted as an electroshock: it became unthinkable for him to abandon the inhabitants in the middle of these mountains of rubbish.

In 1989, Father Pedro decided to create the Akamasoa association ("Good Friends" in Malagasy), to fight against the extreme poverty that was ravaging a country in the grip of deep economic difficulties.

"Since then, we have been working tirelessly on the ground ," he confides. "Few associations have lasted so long here. But we are still here."

Building "House 06"

Twice a year, in June and November, the Lazarist priest (1) travels around France: "Bearing witness to the actions carried out thanks to Akamasoa and finding funding are the main reasons for these trips." After a stopover in Belgium, he will stop over this Tuesday, June 24, in Antibes and then in Monaco in a private setting. A free conference will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Espaces du Fort-Carré (Avenue du 11-Novembre). Followed by a question-and-answer session, book signings, and a friendly drink.

"A donation campaign is also underway on the online platform HelloAsso (2), says Grégory Rung, biographer and friend of the priest. If we manage to raise 7,000 euros, a house for eight people can be built in Madagascar. It will be called “House 06”.

This will extend the titanic humanitarian work carried out by the members of Akamasoa and the Malagasy people themselves.

Thanks to their efforts, according to the latest reports, 30,000 permanent residents have already been housed in eighteen built villages. This represents more than 4,000 solid housing units, including sixty schools, high schools, and clinics.

"Our schools are in deficit because we refuse to charge families for education. All these services, including health-related ones, are very expensive," emphasizes Father Pedro, who now counts 21,000 children in school and 3,800 jobs created.

It's worth the effort: "People are amazed by the scale of the work being done on the island. I remember a French tourist who couldn't believe his eyes, having no idea what we were doing."

A global influence

In the eyes of the international community, Father Pedro embodies a sort of male "Mother Teresa." He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 and 2021, but did not win it. But his aura remains intact. "Last April, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, came in person to present him with the insignia of the Legion of Honor," recalls Grégory Rung.

Financially, the man also known as "the priest of the dumps" has managed to build a vast network of patrons and philanthropists across the world.

"He benefits from support from all over, notably from Prince Albert II of Monaco, whom he has known for more than twenty years," continues the biographer, who is also keen to highlight local sources of income: "The immense stone quarry located near Antananarivo generates income for the Malagasy."

An incredible human adventure that Pedro Pablo Opeka will look back on in front of the Côte d'Azur residents.

"I am sure that Leo XIV will become a great pope."

A long-time friend of Pope Francis, also an Argentinian, Father Pedro sees in Leo XIV a successor "of the same caliber" : "He learned to love in Peru, where those who have nothing give everything. I am sure that this pope will become a great pope, through his humility, his courage and his closeness to real life."

With a darkened face, he also talks about the wars: "All aberrations, whether in Ukraine, Gaza, now between Iran and Israel, in Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, etc. It's a shame, a failure of humanity. We, who call ourselves so civilized, who claim to be progressing... Well, violence and hatred are still there. However, we can only build a better world with love, sharing and brotherhood."

1. Refers to the Congregation of the Mission, founded by Saint Vincent de Paul in 1625 in France.

3. To help, go to the HelloAsso website: urlr.me/U63Gv5.