Story by Abigirl Tembo
VICE President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, met with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, for a key diplomatic engagement on Zimbabwe and the region.
Speaking after the meeting, Archbishop Gallagher said the meeting covered a wide range of issues.
“We talked about the role of the church in Zimbabwe, the challenges the country currently faces, as well as the broader regional situation in Africa.”
Vice President Chiwenga elaborated on the discussions, highlighting the historical contribution of the Catholic Church to Zimbabwe’s education and healthcare sectors.
“The Catholic Church played a central role in the education of Zimbabweans, especially before independence, through its missionary schools,” said the Vice President. Even today, many district and provincial hospitals are still operated by the Church, such as St. Luke’s in Matabeleland North, St. Michael’s in Mhondoro, and facilities in Wedza, my home district,” he said.
He also highlighted the Vatican’s moral support regarding sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
“The Vatican expressed that the sanctions are unjust and affirmed their commitment to pray for Zimbabwe and support our cause,” he said.
The meeting also covered economic development, highlighting the Stella Mundi project at Driefontein Mission, and Zimbabwe’s history of Christianity, with the Vice President requesting Vatican recognition of the country’s role in spreading the faith.
Vice President Chiwenga, a devout Catholic also embarked on a spiritual and cultural journey, visiting the Basilica Holy Door at St. Peter’s for a pilgrimage, and touring historical monuments in the Vatican and Rome, including St. Mary Major Basilica, where Pope Francis was buried, as well as St. Paul Basilica and St John Lateran Basilica among other monuments.
