Pope Leo XIV meets Zimbabwean president for private audience

By The Catholic Herald

THE VATICAN: Pope Leo XIV received President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace, discussing, among other things, the role the Catholic Church has played in the country, especially as it has struggled in recent decades.

Mnangagwa met the Pope on Saturday and later held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, according to a communiqué released by the Vatican Press Office.

The papal audience concluded with an exchange of gifts, after which President Mnangagwa departed the Apostolic Palace, ending his first official visit to Pope Leo XIV.

The discussions, described as cordial, focused on relations between the Holy See and Zimbabwe, with reference to the contribution of the Catholic Church in the fields of education and healthcare.

Attention also turned to the political and socio-economic situation of the country, as well as regional questions concerning peace, dialogue and international cooperation.

The statement did not disclose further details of the closed-door meeting. However, Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster ZBC reported that the abolition of the death penalty in the country was expected to be among the topics raised during the exchange.

Zimbabwe is home to some 2.1 million Catholics, out of a population of more than 16 million, with the Church operating schools, hospitals and missions across the nation.

The episcopal conference has played an active role in social development and humanitarian aid, particularly during years of economic crisis.