VATICAN: THE government yesterday met with Roman Catholic leader Pope Leo XIV in Vatican during which it emphasised the crucial role the Church plays in preserving peace and promoting stability.
During their talks, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo briefed the Holy Father on what transpired during and after the last year’s General Election and the measures instituted towards national healing. Ambassador Kombo also delivered a special message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“Your Holiness, your teachings have consistently reminded the world that peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, compassion, and care for one another,” Ambassador Kombo said.
“This understanding resonates deeply with us as Tanzania reflects on recent events and seeks to move forward with humility and responsibility,” he added.
The diplomat said in Tanzania’s journey the Catholic Church remains a vital moral presence in the society.
“The Church’s voice has long offered comfort in moments of uncertainty and clarity in moments of reflection. We believe that this voice is at its strongest when it brings people together, rises above division, and speaks to all with fairness, restraint, and hope,” Ambassador Kombo said.
He said Tanzania welcomes the Holy Father’s continued pastoral guidance, thanking him for the hope the Catholic Church nurtures in the country.
“A word from Your Holiness, encouraging unity, dialogue, and restraint, is highly valued since it carries deep meaning for our people and strengthens the Church’s role as a source of peace and moral anchorage in the Tanzanian society, he said.
Ambassador Kombo said with the word of prayer from the Holy Father Tanzanians approach this moment with openness and faith, believing that healing is possible when truth is spoken with love and when leadership is guided by God’s wisdom.
In that respect, the minister requested the Pontiff to pray for the country’s peace, a request that was welcomed by the Holy Father, noting his personal connection to Tanzania, having lived in Morogoro, Ruvuma, Arusha and Dar es Salaam in previous years, assuring the minister that he would act on the request.
Meanwhile, Minister Kombo and his delegation held discussions with Vatican Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
Among the issues discussed, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed an official request from the Holy See for Tanzania to open an embassy in the Vatican. Currently, Tanzania is represented through its embassy in Germany.