Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga represented Zimbabwe at the historic Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, where he emphasized the long-standing and valued relationship between Zimbabwe and the Vatican.
Speaking at the Vatican, VP Chiwenga expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation and President Mnangagwa.
“First of all, I want to thank the President, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for sending me to represent him and the country at this Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV,” he stated.
Chiwenga underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and developmental ties with the Vatican.
“We want to develop and strengthen our relations with the Vatican as we move forward together,” he said. “The relations between Zimbabwe and the Vatican have been phenomenal, starting from the days of our liberation movement.”
He highlighted the critical role the Catholic Church played in the country’s struggle for independence and development.
“Zimbabweans could not attend schools except for missionary schools. The Catholic Church, alongside other churches, contributed to building schools and hospitals for our people.”
