Story by Abigirl Tembo
ZIMBABWE is looking to deepen ties with the Vatican, with focus on promoting education, social justice and women empowerment.
Speaking after Pope Francis’s funeral, which was attended by Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday, Zimbabwe’s top envoy to France and Vatican Ambassador Sekai Nzenza outlined the country’s plans to strengthen its ties with the Vatican.
She emphasised the crucial role the Catholic Church has played in Zimbabwe’s education system, citing its numerous schools and institutions that have provided quality education to millions of Zimbabweans over the years.
“The presence of Vice President Chiwenga at Pope Francis’ funeral underscores the depth of our spiritual and diplomatic connection with the Vatican. I have had the honour of meeting Pope Francis twice and I was able to engage with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and it’s clear that there is strong mutual interest in dialogue around youth empowerment, education, and women’s rights,” she said.
“The Catholic Church has been involved in promoting health and education from the time that they were working in Zimbabwe. So, the dialogue that we intend to have, which should happen, is to do with issues of social justice, inequality, education for girls, the youth, health and climate change, which was something that Pope Francis was very passionate about. I am in dialogue with the Papal Apostolic Nuncio, called Father Janus, who is the Vatican Ambassador to Zimbabwe. We have plans to work on specific projects, particularly to do with the education of the youth and girls.”
The strengthened ties between Zimbabwe and the Vatican are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s social and economic development, with focus on promoting social justice, reducing inequality and improving access to education and healthcare.
