VP Chiwenga Represents Zimbabwe At Pope Francis’ Funeral At The Vatican
Thousands of mourners, including Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, have gathered at the Vatican to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.
The Pope, who passed away on Easter Monday following a stroke and cardiovascular collapse, is being honoured at a funeral Mass attended by global leaders and faithful from around the world.
A gathering of world leaders
St Peter’s Square has been a hive of activity as heads of state, diplomats, and religious leaders came together.
Nick Mangwana shared pictures of VP Chiwenga arriving at the Vatican, stating:
“Vice President General (Retd) Dr C.G.D.N Chiwenga has arrived at St Peter’s Square to join thousands of people, including world leaders, for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis.”
Among those present were United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and former United States President Joe Biden.
Zimbabwe’s own Vice President Chiwenga, a devout Catholic, stood among them as a symbol of the country’s condolences to the Catholic community worldwide.
Breaking with tradition
Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a site he personally selected due to his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This decision breaks with recent tradition, as many previous Popes were buried at St Peter’s Basilica. However, it is not without historical precedent, with six Popes before him interred at St Mary’s Major.
Zimbabwe’s tribute
President Emmerson Mnangagwa issued a heartfelt eulogy, saying:
“In this solemn hour, the world reflects, with reverence, on the life and legacy of a devoted servant of the Apostolic See, who dedicated himself to the service of God and humanity at large.”
He added:
“His voice, that resonated within and beyond the hallowed walls of the Vatican, shall, forever, remain an embodiment of his spirit of grace, moral leadership and theological insight, that uplifted the spiritual consciousness of our time.”
The President sent VP Chiwenga to represent Zimbabwe at the funeral, underscoring the country’s ties to the Catholic Church, whose membership in Zimbabwe is estimated to be over a million.
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The post PICS: VP Chiwenga Joins World Leaders At Vatican To Honour Pope Francis appeared first on iHarare News.
