President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday met Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City where they discussed the death of former vice president Saulos Chilima.
Chakwera arrived in Rome on Sunday from Zimbabwe where he attended the SADC meeting.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Chakwera said during the meeting, the also discussed the progress of bilateral relations between Malawi and the Holy See, drawing on rich historical ties between the two States.
“I did say that I had come not only representing the Malawian people, a significant portion of which are Catholics, but also 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 who
The President further said Pope Francis also pronounced his blessing upon him 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,” he said
