Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga held high-level talks with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, in Rome on Saturday, focusing on Zimbabwe’s ongoing political and socio-economic challenges and the Catholic Church’s role in national development. According to a Vatican communiqué, the meeting emphasized enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in education, healthcare, and humanitarian support, where the Catholic Church remains a key player in Zimbabwe. The two officials also discussed efforts toward national reconciliation, social cohesion, and the promotion of human dignity amid Zimbabwe’s fragile economy and polarized political climate.
Chiwenga, a former military chief who played a pivotal role in the ouster of longtime President Robert Mugabe in 2017, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with religious institutions to support vulnerable communities and improve public services.

The talks also addressed broader regional stability and global peace efforts, with both parties underscoring the importance of interreligious dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution, and upholding fundamental rights.
The Vatican has historically maintained strong relations with Zimbabwe’s Catholic community, which runs numerous schools, clinics, and charitable institutions across the country.