Pope Leo XIV welcomes President of Zimbabwe during their meeting

Pope Francis recently held a meeting with Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Vatican. The discussions focused on the role of church institutions in education and healthcare in Zimbabwe.

The encounter between Mnangagwa and Pope Francis is part of the Holy See's increased diplomatic contacts with African states in recent years. The Vatican Press Office reported on the meeting, which was also attended by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister.

Regional issues were discussed between the Holy See and Zimbabwe, with both parties stressing the need for dialogue, cooperation, and multilateral engagement among nations. Pope Francis emphasised the importance of cooperation between state and church, particularly in education and healthcare.

Zimbabwe is a country where the Catholic Church runs a vast number of schools, clinics, and social institutions. The Holy See and Zimbabwe emphasized their good relations in a statement following the meeting.

Pope Leo XIV, who spent many years working in Latin America, emphasises fostering international relations in the Global South as a key focus of his pontificate. The meeting with Mnangagwa is a testament to this commitment.

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The meeting between Mnangagwa and Pope Francis marks another significant diplomatic event in the Pope's ongoing efforts to engage with leaders from around the world. The discussions between the two parties are expected to continue in the future, with the hope of further strengthening the relationship between the Holy See and Zimbabwe.