President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday met with Roman Catholic Church leader, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday during a working visit to the Vatican City as the two leaders explored avenues to deepen diplomatic and developmental ties between Zimbabwe and the Holy See.
Mnangagwa was received by Cardinal Priest Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza and other senior Vatican officials on arrival in the Vatican City on Saturday before meeting the pontiff.
The Zimbabwean delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Ambassador to the Vatican Sekai Nzenza and senior government officials.
A separate meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin was also scheduled for later Saturday.
The visit marks a significant moment in Zimbabwe-Vatican relations, which date back to the country’s liberation era.
The Catholic Church played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s early development, particularly in education and healthcare through missionary schools and hospitals that served marginalised communities.
Pope Leo XIV, elected earlier this year following the death of Pope Francis, has signalled a renewed commitment to engaging with African nations on issues of peace, governance and social justice.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga attended the pontiff’s inaugural mass in May this year, reaffirming the country’s desire to strengthen ties with the Vatican.
From the Vatican City, President Mnangagwa will head for China for an official visit.
