THE VATICAN CITY, ITALY: His Majesty the King and Liphovela La-Zuma yesterday met His Holiness Pope Francis the leader of the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State.
The King arrived to a Swiss guard of honour and was welcomed by Leonardo Sapienza, the Pope’s Secretary. Following a half-hour bilateral meeting, His Majesty proceeded on a tour of the Vatican Catholic Church.
Notably, the Vatican’s relationship with the Kingdom of Eswatini goes back many years, during which time the two countries have shared similar principles and commitment to human dignity, peace, and the social well-being of their populations.
The Catholic Church has made a significant impact on the lives of emaSwati, where it has played an important role in combating poverty, empowering Eswatini’s youth through education and vocational training as well as contributing to relief efforts during emergencies like natural disasters.
His Majesty wished the Holy See and the Catholic community under his guidance good health and success, encouraging them to continue to develop and touch the lives of millions of people.
His Majesty’s entourage included princes and princesses, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu and Justice Minister Prince Simelane. The country’s Ambassadors to Brussels and Geneva, Sibusiso Mngomezulu and Vuyile Dlamini, respectively, and the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Thandazile Mbuyisa, were also in attendance, as was the King’s Private Secretary, Mbongeni Simelane.
This visit concluded the King’s working visit to Italy before flying to Serbia for a state visit later in the day.
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