Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira at the VATICAN CITY, Italy
ZIMBABWE yesterday scored a major diplomatic win following a historic bilateral meeting between President Mnangagwa and Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City State.
It was a defining moment as President Mnangagwa arrived at the Holy See, where he was received by Cardinal Priest Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza before being ushered to meet the Pontiff. The engagement was of great significance given that the Roman Catholic Church commands one of the largest followings globally and has been a longstanding development partner in Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa also held talks with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, whose role is equivalent to that of a Prime Minister.
Discussions centred on strengthening cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Holy See, particularly in areas where the Catholic Church has made immense contributions over decades — education, healthcare, tertiary institutions, humanitarian assistance and community development.
President Mnangagwa meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City State yesterday. — Picture: Presidential Photographer Joseph Nyadzayo.
Other discussions focused on regional and global peacebuilding efforts, multilateral cooperation and the promotion of dialogue among nations.
Zimbabwe was commended by the Holy See for abolishing the death penalty from its legal statutes, a progressive development that underscores the country’s commitment to the sanctity of life.
In a post on X after the meeting, President Mnangagwa said the two leaders reflected on the Church’s role in socio-economic development projects in Zimbabwe.
“I met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where we reflected on the Catholic Church’s vital role in Zimbabwe’s schools, hospitals and social services, and shared views on peace and justice in today’s world,” he said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who was part of the delegation, described the visit as “highly significant”.
“The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe and over the world is one of the biggest churches; very influential,” said Prof Murwira.
“It has been pushing the humanitarian and developmental agenda, which the whole of humanity is looking up to.
President Mnangagwa meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City State yesterday. — Picture: Presidential Photographer Joseph Nyadzayo
“So, the visit by His Excellency to Pope Leo XIV is a very significant step in Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relations, recognising that Zimbabwe is a beneficiary as well as a contributor to the development of the Catholic Church. You would remember that as early as the 15th century, the sons of King Munhumutapa became priests as well.”
He highlighted the Church’s extensive work in Zimbabwe, including healthcare, agriculture, education, as well as higher learning institutions such as the Catholic University of Zimbabwe and teachers’ colleges like Bondolfi.
“So, this State visit is a culmination of the very warm, cordial and strong relations between Zimbabwe and the Vatican, as well as the Holy See.”
Peacebuilding, he said, also featured prominently in the discussions.
Prof Murwira said President Mnangagwa had the opportunity to share with the Pope details of his involvement in peace efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), alongside his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto.
“They also touched on the peacebuilding efforts by His Excellency in the eastern part of the DRC; his involvement in making sure that the peace process involves addressing the root causes of conflict, not only ceasefire,” added Prof Murwira.
“His Excellency was able to relate how, together with his counterpart, the chairperson of the East African Community, President William Ruto, and himself as chairman of SADC, were able to bring the process to such a level that the United Nations Security Council was able to recognise it.
“Not only that, the African Union was able to recognise that process as well.”
President Mnangagwa meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City State yesterday.
On the abolition of capital punishment, Prof Murwira added: “His Excellency, the President, was also praised for having abolished the death penalty in Zimbabwe.
“This is very important and dear to the Catholic Church, which has always been advocating for the removal of the death penalty.
“As you know, His Excellency was able to lead the removal of the death penalty in Zimbabwe out of the conviction of our heritage that does not in any way allow the carrying out of the death penalty.
“This was a colonial construct which we had to deconstruct and return to the roots, of which we did.”
The Holy See Press Office also issued a statement confirming the cordial nature of the engagement.
“The parties spoke about several aspects of the Southern African country’s political and economic situation, especially its work with the local Church in the areas of healthcare, education and the environment,” reads the statement.
“During the discussions, there was also an exchange of views on regional issues, highlighting the importance of promoting multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation among nations.”
The meeting between President Mnangagwa and Pope Leo XIV is among the few high-level audiences accorded to African leaders since the Pontiff’s election in May this year.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Vatican Dr Sekai Nzenza; Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube; Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza; Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya; Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba; and other senior Government officials.
