ZAMBIA: Nuncio, Zambia and Malawi Toast Pope’s Pontificate
Mwenya Mukuka
The Apostolic Nuncio and the Bishops’ Conferences of Zambia and Malawi have celebrated Pope Francis’ 10-year Pontificate in Lusaka.
At the occasion, the Catholic Bishops in Zambia through Archbishop Alick Banda said the 10 years of Francis’ Pontificate is an eloquent example of various stakeholder engagement for the common good.
“With his encyclicals, Pope Francis has warned us on the need to protect our common home. He urges us to move beyond differences and embrace fraternity and social functions,” Archbishop Banda said.
Archbishop Banda explained that it is such value of engagement that have characterized his pontificate and made him take long journeys over the globe despite his age and ailing health which recently saw him in Congo DR and South Sudan.
“During his visit he brought to light once again the exploitation done to our continent by external powers in collusion with their multinational companies including some of our leaders,” Archbishop Banda observed.
Archbishop Banda further noted the Nuncio contribution to the fight against Covid 19 by making sure that resources and materials are available to mitigate the pandemic.
“In this short stay, you also provided us with 4 shepherds to care for the flock. That was a great milestone. We are most grateful to your availability,” he noted.
And Catholic Bishops in Malawi have shown gratitude to God for the episcopate of Pope Francis.
Speaking on behalf of the 8 Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Archbishop George Tambala of Lilongwe said the 10th anniversary of Pope’s Francis Pontificate reminds them of their duty, service to creation, humanity and the Church.
“We join you, in thanking God for his presence in the world and in the Church,” he said.
And making a comment on the recent visit of Pope Francis to Congo and South Sudan, Archbishop Tambala said that the Holy Father’s visit brought consolation.
Meanwhile diplomats accredited to Zambia say, they appreciate the message of love and peace to which Pope Francis has devoted his life.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Lusaka, Dr. Walid Hasan said the Pope’s message of love and peace is coupled with concern for the vulnerable, the poor and elderly.
“The holy Father calls for equality and defending human dignity, and his urge for environmental protection. Respecting religious dialogue and promotion of dialogue among them,” said Dr. Hasan.
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