Pope Francis meets with President of the Republic of Burundi

By Vatican News staff writer

On Saturday morning, Pope Francis met with the President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. The two leaders held private discussions, and following their meeting President Ndayishimiye went to meet with the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. 

The Holy See Press office noted that during the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, "satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Burundi, and for the contribution of the Catholic Church to the life of the country in various sectors of society." The delegations also dicussed the political and social situation in the country, and other themes concerning the African region. 

Exchange of gifts

During the customary exchange of gifts following the discussions between Pope Francis and President Ndayishimiye, Pope Francis gave the President an "Angel of Peace" bronze medallion and copies of the papal documents: "Message for the World Peace Day 2022," "Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,"  and the Vatican Publishing House book featuring the "Statio Orbis of 27 March 2020."

President Ndayishimiye gave Pope Francis traditional musical instruments of Burundi, and a certificate confirming contributions towards the building of a Church in Burundi.

After this morning's audience, the President of Burundi stopped by the media offices of the Dicastery for Communication for an onsite interview with Vatican News in French.