Vatican prayers for ED, Zim

MOSES MATENGA

Bishops have revealed how they prayed for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe while in the Vatican and hoped the country would end the economic crisis that has seen millions moving to other countries in search of greener pastures.

The Bishops under the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) banner took time to meet with Pope Francis in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

Speaking after the visit, Bishop of Mutare Diocese and president of the ZCBC, Paul Horan, O. Carm said Zimbabweans should also unite in the post-election period revealing they prayed for Mnangagwa even despite pressures from in and out of the country to rubbish the election results.

“People are hardworking and want the opportunity to use their talents within the country. Unfortunately, many Zimbabweans have to leave Zimbabwe to find employment outside the country,” he said.

“We hope that this trend will come to an end so that all our young people, talented young people, may have an opportunity to fulfil their talents and provide for their families within our own country.”

He said while in the Vatican, the Bishops also prayed about the country and the President at the time he was being sworn in for his second term in office.

“So, as we began our work here last Monday, it was the day that the President, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was sworn into office. We remembered him in our prayers here in Rome and asked the Lord to bless him in his serving of the people of Zimbabwe over the coming years,” he said.

“And yes, some groups, both from within the country and outside, expressed reservations about the full fairness of the elections, including the statements we made ourselves. But we hope we can suggest to our government and political leaders to encourage them to listen to each other, to dialogue, to see what’s the best way forward for the country,” said the Bishop.