Today, 19 February 2022, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Haikainde Hichilema, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Mirosław Wachowski, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, the parties focused on some aspects of the economic and social situation of the Country, as well as the valued contribution of the Catholic Church in many sectors of society. In addition to highlighting the good relations between the Holy See and Zambia, the issue of universal access to vaccines and treatment for Covid-19 was mentioned, as well as the possibility of proceeding with the study of the drafting of a bilateral agreement, as a further sign of respectful cooperation.

The talks continued with an exchange of views on the international and regional situation.

From the Vatican, 19 February 2022