Times Of Swaziland: HIS MAJESTY THE KING MEETS POPE FRANCIS

HIS MAJESTY THE KING MEETS POPE FRANCIS
================================================================================
King’s Office Correspondents and tombi Mhlongo on 19/10/2024 06:28:00


THE VATICAN CITY, ITALY - His Majesty the King and Liphovela LaZuma 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.
Principles
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.
Respectively
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.