The Malawi leader Lazarus Chakwera has met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
“During the homely meeting, we discussed the progress of bilateral relations between Malawi and the Holy See, drawing on rich historical ties between our two States. I conveyed to His Holiness the Pope my great delight in having an audience with him,” wrote the President on his Facebook Page.
According to the President, he indicated that he is in Rome not only to represent the Malawian people, a significant portion of which are Catholics, but also added that he is in Rome as a student and disciple, eager to continue learning about servant-leadership that puts the needs of the people first.
“I also used the meeting to commend Pope Francis for his leadership in matters of global concern, such as climate change and rising economic inequality, advocating for partnership between the two States. On a personal note, I expressed my sadness and condolences to His Holiness on the recent tragic passing of Former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, whom the Pope had met in 2016.
“I intimated that the late Dr. Chilima was “a devout Catholic and a source of inspiration for millions of Malawians”, and thanked the Pontif for the exceptional leadership and ministry of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi in shepherding Malawians through the daze of shock, grief, and confusion that followed the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Dr. Chilima,” said Chakwera.
The President concluded:
“Pope Francis also pronounced his blessing upon me and the people of Malawi, pledging support for and solidarity with Malawi’s quest for greater prosperity and peace. His Holiness the Pope directed that the Vatican’s Secretary of State meet with me before my departure from the Holy See, not only to make further progress on how the relations between Malawi and the Vatican can be strengthened, but to also to see to it that I get conducted on a private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica for a moment of prayer for Malawi-Vatican relations.”
