Zambian Delegation Pays Final Respects to Pope Francis in Rome
A high-level Zambian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, and Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Charles Milupi, has paid final respects to His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
Representing President Hakainde Hichilema, the delegation joined world leaders and thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, where the late Pontiff lies in state ahead of his State Funeral scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Accompanied by The Most Reverend Ignatius Chama, Archbishop of Kasama and president of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Right Reverend George Cosmas Zumaile Lungu, Bishop of Chipata, the ministers offered prayers on behalf of the Zambian Government and its people.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Her Excellency Ms. Macenje Mazoka, who presented her credentials to the late Pope in June 2024, also attended the viewing. She was joined by Her Excellency Ms. Patricia Kondolo, Zambia’s Ambassador to Rome.
Ambassador Mazoka reflected on her personal encounters with Pope Francis, describing him as “an inspiration whose humility and compassion touched lives far beyond the Church.”
President Hichilema, who appointed the delegation, hailed Pope Francis as “a man of deep humility and compassion, who led the global Catholic Church with integrity and devotion.”
He emphasized that the Pope’s legacy should inspire continued collaboration between the Church and the Zambian Government.
The Funeral Mass will take place in St. Peter’s Square and is expected to draw dignitaries and clergy from across the globe. Zambia’s participation underscores the country’s strong diplomatic and spiritual ties with the Catholic Church.
