Published: 18 hours ago

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday met a group of Zimbabwean Roman Catholic priests and seminarians studying in the Vatican City, a day after holding a landmark meeting with Pope Leo XIV.

The meeting, held at the President's hotel, brought together Father Innocent Chambara and seminarians Newton Maneta and Hopewell Shonhe, who are part of more than 30 Zimbabwean clergy pursuing studies at Vatican-linked institutions.

Speaking after the engagement, Father Chambara said the Catholic community welcomed the President's dialogue with the Pope, especially on issues concerning education and healthcare.

"We discussed several issues with the President, telling him how the Catholic community is happy with his meeting with the Pope. The Catholic community is happy on issues they discussed, particularly on the role of the church in advancing education and health services," said Father Chambara.

The priests were joined by Zimbabwe's Ambassador to the Vatican, Dr Sekai Nzenza, and the country's envoy to Italy, Mrs Mietani Chauke.

Senior government officials who attended included Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, and Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications Mr George Charamba.

Mnangagwa's engagement with the priests followed his State visit to the Vatican, where he met Pope Leo XIV to strengthen bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the Holy See.
- The Herald

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