Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the book of condolences for Pope Francis, who was laid to rest on Saturday.
The President who was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira visited the Apostolic Nunciature in Mt Pleasant, Harare, this Monday, to sign the condolence book, and was welcomed by The Holy See Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Janusz Stanislaw Urbañczyk.
Speaking to journalists after signing the Pontiff’s condolence book, President Mnangagwa said Pope Francis was a shepherd of peace, compassion and humility.
“I have come representing the people of Zimbabwe to pass our condolences as a country following the death of Pope Francis. As you know, Zimbabwe is a Christian country so I am passing my condolences representing Zimbabwe to the Pope’s family and representatives of the Catholic Church. All Christians across the world are in mourning notwithstanding whether they are or they are not Catholic. I myself am not Catholic but I am sympathising with them because God is for us all,” the President said.
Pope Francis succumbed to a stroke and irreversible cardiovascular collapse on Easter Monday at the age of 88, plunging the Christian movement into mourning.
