President Lazarus Chakwera met with Pope Francis Monday for an audience where they reportedly discussed various topics, including the “good relations between the Holy See and Malawi”.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, cited by Vatican News, the discussions took place at the Vatican Secretariat of State.
The statement added that the talks covered different aspects of Malawi’s political and socio-economic situation, particularly the collaboration with the Catholic Church in healthcare, education and professional training.
After his meeting with the Pope, Chakwera met Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
“The conversation continued with an exchange of views on regional and international issues, highlighting the importance of dialogue and reconciliation among peoples,” the statement said.
It added that in line with tradition, the Pope and Chakwera exchanged gifts during the meeting.
Pope Francis presented Chakwera with a bronze casting showing two hands shaking, a woman with a child, a migrant ship and the inscription “Let’s fill our hands with other hands”, with St Peter’s Basilica in the background.
In return, Chakwera gave the Pope a wooden relief map of Malawi, crafted by local artisans and depicting the country’s main cities and animals.
On his official Facebook page, Chakwera expressed pleasure at meeting Pope Francis, saying he attended not only as a representative of the Malawian people but also as a student eager to learn about servant leadership.
The President said he also used the meeting to commend the Pope for his leadership on global issues such as climate change and rising economic inequality, advocating for a partnership between their two States.
“On a personal note, I conveyed my sadness and condolences to His Holiness over the recent tragic death of Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima, whom the Pope had met in 2016,” Chakwera said.
The President added that he also thanked the Pope for his leadership and for the support provided by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi “during the period of shock, grief and confusion following the tragic plane crash that claimed Chilima’s life”.
The accident occurred in Chikangawa Forest, Nkhata Bay, on June 10, when the vice president and eight others were returning to Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe after a military plane they were flying in failed to land at Mzuzu Airport.
Chakwera said Pope Francis also extended his blessing to him and the people of Malawi, pledging support for Malawi’s quest for greater prosperity and peace.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, following his visit to the Vatican City, Chakwera was set to travel to Germany to meet with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The statement added that the President was expected to meet German government officials, business leaders and representatives of the German Shipping Company to discuss investment opportunities, particularly in developing modern vessels for Lake Malawi.
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