The Catholic Chaplaincy to the African Union
Mission
The St John Paul II African Union Chaplaincy is a mission of the Church to the members and institutions of the African Union (AU). It has been entrusted to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (the Spiritans) by the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Ababa and is animated by a permanent Chaplain and his team.
The fundamental mission of the Chaplaincy is to ensure the presence of the Church at the AU and to reflect, in the light of the Gospel, on the life and activities of the AU in order to help it achieve its vision of:
“An integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and a dynamic force in the global arena.” — Agenda 2063
Where we are
The AU Chaplaincy is located at 69 Ras Lulseged Street, opposite the AU Headquarters, next to the CISSA building, Addis Ababa. Call +251 900 485 018 or +251 704 197 619, or write to catholic.africanunion@gmail.com.
Our Activities
Liturgical Services
Weekday Masses: Monday to Friday at 6.00 PM. At the AU Headquarters: Tuesdays at 1.15 PM. Sunday Mass: Saturday at 6.00 PM and Sunday at 11.00 AM.
Formation
Our chaplaincy offers its members formation in various areas: Catechesis, Marriage Preparation, Scripture, Theology, Spirituality, Social Doctrine of the Church, and Language Courses.
Retreats and Recollections
Every quarter and during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent, a retreat is organised for members of the AU community in Ethiopia, preferably outside the city of Addis Ababa.
Confessions
Community members who wish to receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation can do so before or after the Holy Mass, during retreats, or on request.
Counselling
The AU Chaplaincy offers counselling sessions with priests and laypeople to anyone in need of psychological and spiritual help. Arrangements must be made with the Chaplain.
Fellowship
In order to strengthen the family spirit among its members, the AU Chaplaincy regularly organises fellowship activities. Special attention is given to the Independence or National Day celebrations of each AU Member State.
Various Blessings
The AU Chaplain is available to bless homes, offices, or vehicles of AU members in Addis Ababa. God’s blessings are also offered for sacramentals (holy water, holy salt), objects of devotion, birthdays, anniversaries, journeys, etc.
Charity Works
As far as possible, the AU Chaplaincy assists its members who have lost loved ones through the voluntary contributions of other community members. Charity is also extended to the poor and vulnerable in Addis Ababa and beyond. During Advent and Lent, we collect both money and non-perishable items to share with the needy.
Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Dialogue
The AU Chaplaincy is at the forefront of dialogue with members of other Christian denominations and religions represented in the AU Commission. It works with other believers and people of goodwill to promote harmonious coexistence among brothers and sisters in the wider AU family.
The AU Chaplaincy at a glance
Our 2026 tri-fold flyer presents our mission, activities, Mass times and how to support us. Click a side to see it full size, or download the PDF to share or print.
Support our mission
Gifts can be made by bank transfer to the Chaplaincy’s Birr account at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Donate