President Hakainde Hichilema underscores continued collaboration with the Catholic Church for Zambia’s social and economic progress.
President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasized the Zambian government’s ongoing commitment to partnering with religious organizations, particularly the Catholic Church, for the betterment of the nation’s social and economic landscape. This statement came during a recent visit by Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Zambia, who delivered a message from Pope Francis at State House.
Message of Hope and Partnership
The message from Pope Francis was filled with themes of peace, unity, and hope for Zambia as the nation heads into 2025. In his address, the Pope extended his gratitude for Zambia’s support in the debt restructuring process, aligning this effort with Zambia’s long-term development goals. The Pope also expressed a desire for a stronger collaboration between the government and the Church, echoing the sentiments discussed during President Hichilema’s visit to the Vatican in February 2022.
Strengthening Zambia’s Commitment to Peace and Development
President Hichilema reiterated Zambia’s dedication to strengthening ties with the Catholic Church, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. The government aims to continue promoting peace and stability, which are foundational to the nation’s sustainable development. The Catholic Church’s contributions to these sectors have been invaluable, and the President emphasized the importance of working alongside all faith-based organizations for the greater good of Zambia’s citizens.
Debt Relief and Zambia’s Vision for the Future
The Pope’s message of support for debt forgiveness aligns with Zambia’s vision to address its debt challenges through sustainable solutions. President Hichilema acknowledged that Zambia’s efforts to restructure its debt within the G20 framework have been supported by the Catholic Church, and he stressed that these efforts are vital for transforming the country’s economic landscape.
Celebrating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Archbishop Gianluca Perici’s visit also marked the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Zambia and the Vatican, which will be celebrated in 2025. The Archbishop commended Zambia’s efforts to promote peace and harmony, pledging the Catholic Church’s continued support for national development initiatives.
The Future of Zambia’s Growth and Partnership with the Catholic Church
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, further emphasized the significance of the Pope’s message, noting that it resonates deeply with Zambia’s core values. He stated that this collaboration between Zambia and the Vatican strengthens the nation’s commitment to peace, development, and global cooperation.
As Zambia continues to move forward, the government remains dedicated to working with all partners, including the Catholic Church, to foster an environment of peace and prosperity for all citizens.