President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Vatican City today for a historic audience with Pope Leo XIV, marking one of the first meetings between the new pontiff and an African head of state since his election in May 2025. The visit underscores Zimbabwe’s longstanding relationship with the Holy See and highlights the Catholic Church’s enduring role in the country’s social and educational development.
According to Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Sekai Nzenza, the meeting will focus on both Zimbabwe’s national interests and broader global issues. “The main purpose of the visit is to meet His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. Zimbabwe has enjoyed cordial relations with the Vatican for many years, and this visit will strengthen our bilateral ties. It is also an opportune moment for the President to express gratitude for the Church’s contributions in social services, particularly in education and healthcare,” she said.
The Catholic Church has long played a significant role in Zimbabwe, building schools, hospitals, and other social infrastructure that have benefited generations. Thousands of Zimbabweans, from both public and private sectors, have passed through institutions established or supported by the Church. President Mnangagwa is expected to formally acknowledge these contributions during his discussions with Pope Leo XIV.
“The President might want to express gratitude for the constructive role played by the Catholic Church over the years,” Ambassador Nzenza said. “This is not just about formal diplomacy; it is also about recognising the impact the Church has had on communities across Zimbabwe.”
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to explore how faith-based organisations can continue supporting development and social welfare programs in Zimbabwe, particularly in education, healthcare, and community outreach initiatives.
President Mnangagwa Meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, Highlights Church’s Role in Zimbabwe
Beyond Zimbabwe’s domestic concerns, President Mnangagwa and Pope Leo XIV are expected to discuss wider geopolitical issues and the role of the Church in promoting peace and stability. The Pope, who has already emphasised themes such as the “politics of hope,” religious vocations, and navigating the digital age, has become a vocal advocate for dialogue and collaboration among nations.
“The Catholic Church has always been a respected voice in global discourse. It plays a critical role in promoting peace, humanitarian support, and ethical guidance worldwide,” Ambassador Nzenza said. “Engaging with the Holy See offers Zimbabwe a platform to discuss not just bilateral issues but also contributions to global peace and cooperation.”
President Mnangagwa’s visit holds symbolic and diplomatic importance. As one of the first African leaders to meet Pope Leo XIV, the President’s audience reflects both the Vatican’s recognition of Zimbabwe’s role in the region and the country’s commitment to international engagement.
“This is a significant honour,” Ambassador Nzenza noted. “The President being granted an audience with the Pope signals that Zimbabwe is taken seriously in the diplomatic sphere, particularly in fostering partnerships with international institutions like the Holy See.”
The visit also continues President Mnangagwa’s broader engagement strategy, which has emphasised rekindling relations with global partners and expanding Zimbabwe’s diplomatic footprint. The Holy See, with its historical connections to Zimbabwe dating back to the liberation struggle, remains a key ally in these efforts.
The timing of the visit coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, a period of pilgrimage, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Pope Leo XIV has encouraged believers worldwide to engage in acts of faith, forgiveness, and service, with Mass celebrations and special events taking place throughout 2025.
“The Jubilee Year is a time of hope and spiritual rejuvenation,” Ambassador Nzenza said. “The President’s visit to the Vatican during this period also reflects Zimbabwe’s alignment with broader moral and spiritual values promoted by the Church.”
President Mnangagwa departed Zimbabwe last night, arriving in Italy ahead of today’s scheduled audience. The meeting is expected to last several hours and will include discussions on both social development projects and international peace initiatives. Observers note that this diplomatic engagement highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening multilateral relationships while acknowledging the historical and ongoing contributions of the Catholic Church to national development.
For Zimbabwe, the visit represents more than a ceremonial meeting; it is a reaffirmation of the country’s ties to a global religious institution that has helped shape its social and educational landscape for decades. As the President engages with Pope Leo XIV, the discussions are likely to leave a lasting impression on bilateral relations and underscore the enduring significance of faith-based partnerships in promoting national development and global peace.
Source- Herald
