By Paschal Norbert
VATICAN CITY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 (CISA) – Pope Francis has received in audience the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Vatican Palace, the Holy See Press Office announced on February 12.
In the cordial meeting, they exchanged gifts and expressed a mutual desire to strengthen the existing good relations between the Republic of Tanzania and the Catholic Church, and committed to promoting world and regional peace, fighting against poverty and climate change and advancing interfaith harmony.
“During the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the existing good relations between the Holy See and Tanzania. In particular, mention was made of the important role played by the Catholic Church in the country in favour of the population, especially in the charitable, educational and healthcare spheres,” the Holy See Press Office announced.
In the meeting, attention then turned to themes related to the social context in Tanzania, and the challenges the country is facing. “In addition, there was an exchange of views on the regional situation and current international events, auguring ever greater commitment to the promotion of peace.”
President Suluhu also met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who lived in Tanzania in the 1980s and speaks decent Swahili.
