On 27 May 2024, Pope Francis received in private audience the Irish SVD priest, Fr Andrew Campbell, a missionary who has lived and worked in Ghana for the last 53 years. Inspired by Saint Theresa of Kolkata, India, Fr Andrew Campbell has dedicated his life to working with the poor and marginalized of Ghana. He has had great impact, especially working with street children, those suffering from disabilities such as Leprosy, and those generally disadvantaged by society.
“I was working at the age of 13 as a Labourer. So, I know what it is like to go without education. I don’t want anybody to go through what I went through. …there are a hundred thousand street children in the City of Accra living on the streets. They range from little kids onwards…. But with the Lepers, I am actually living with them. I help them, ensuring everything is okay: their health and food. I care for these needs while living with them,” Fr Campbell said.
Speaking to Vatican News after meeting with Pope Francis, Fr Campbell expressed his great joy at the encounter. “I can’t put words to it. It was so wonderful meeting him (Pope Francis). This man has always attracted me with his love for the poor,” Fr Campbel said.
It all started when someone suffering from Leprosy gave Fr. Campbell a bag of Mangoes. He failed to eat them, fearing he could contract the disease himself. Then, his conscience got the better of him. He went to see where those suffering from Leprosy were staying. He was appalled by the conditions and, from there, started an apostolate to Ghana’s marginalised.