Pope Francis receives president of Malawi at Vatican

By Vatican News

On Monday, Pope Francis was received in audience at the Apostolic Palace by the President of the Republic of Malawi, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who then met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State highlighted “the good relations between the Holy See and Malawi,” as well as various aspects of Malawi’s political and socio-economic situation, “in particular the collaboration with the Catholic Church in the areas of health, education and vocational training.”

“The conversation continued with an exchange of opinions on regional and international issues, stressing the importance of promoting dialogue and reconciliation among peoples,” the statement noted.

Exchange of gifts during audience with Malawi President

Gift exchange

In keeping with tradition, the Pope and the President of Malawi exchanged gifts during their meeting.

Pope Francis presented President Chakwera with a bronze cast of two clasping hands, a woman with a child and a boat of migrants and the inscription “Let us fill our hands with other hands”, with the colonnade of St. Peter’s in the background.

He also handed over to the Malawian President a copy of his message for peace for 2024 and a copy of the book on the 2020 elections.Orbis Station“, published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV).

For his part, President Chakwera presented the Holy Father with a wooden relief of the map of Malawi, made by local craftsmen and representing the main cities and animals that populate the country.