Vatican City – Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday met with Pope Leo XIV on an official visit to the Vatican City.
”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,” Mnangagwa said.
The Holy See according to the Vatican news website the meeting discussed 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.
“During the discussions,” said a press release, “there was also an exchange of views on regional issues, highlighting the importance of promoting multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation among nations.”
Mnangagwa was accompanied by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira, Chief Secretary of the Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director General, Fulton Mangwanya among other senior government officials.
Zimbabwe is largely a Christian society and the Catholic church has a huge following.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is a Catholic and the late Robert Mugabe was a devout Catholic.