Question 3.46

3.46 On April 18, 1978, a few months before his death, Paul VI made you the youngest bishop in the world. You were less than thirty-three years old. …

Yes, indeed, and John Paul II confirmed my appointment in August 1979. I felt a sorrowful joy, but I was at peace. Nevertheless, I did not forget Paul VI; indeed, I was a little sad that he was not able to see me become an archbishop.

When the government informed the Holy See that I was too young to hold an episcopal office, the Secretariat of State replied, essentially, to get around their argument: “Certainly, he is young, but he was formed by the revolution, and he will understand better the political directions of your government!”

As a priest in a parish, and then in charge of the seminary, I was almost unknown in the Archdiocese of Conakry. I made no noise, and I was not looking for anything in particular. For Sékou Touré, I was an enigma. …