New Apostolic Nuncio requests papal visit to Malawi
Pope Francis representative to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone, has disclosed he has talked to the Holy Father to consider visiting Malawi during his next tour to Africa in September.
The last time Malawi had a papal visit was in May 1989 by late Pope John Paul II.
Gallone who was appointed by Vatican on February 2 made the disclosure during his first meeting with the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) in the capital Lilongwe last week.
He said considering that Malawi is one of the poorest countries and the Pope being a darling of the poor, he thought it would interest the Successor of St Peter to pay the country a visit during his tour of Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Archbishop Gallone arrived in Zambia on April 26 to start his diplomatic mission in both Zambia and Malawi replacing Archbishop Julio Murat who was transferred to Cameroon.
“Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. And Pope Francis loves the poor. So, I asked him that as he comes to visit Mozambique, he should also pay Malawi a visit as a lover of the poor people,” Gallone told AMECEA News.
According to him, it was impressive that the clergy and lay Catholics continue to work hand in hand in “evangelizing Malawi” as well as “promoting the Catholic faith.”
He said: “It’s true your Grace [ECM chairperson, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa], that the laity are supporting the clergy to preserve the Catholic faith and to transmit to the younger generation the Catholic faith. Thank you so much and I invoke on you the blessing of the Good Lord to give you strength because this country has stagnated because of the natural disasters the country has suffered over the past years.”
In his remarks, Msusa said the presence of the nuncio was imperative as it lays bare the unity between Vatican and the local church.
He said: “We are very happy because we now are able to share our faith and our challenges through him (the Nuncio) with Pope Francis. So, we are very happy. His first message to me was that he is happy to be in Malawi and we are working hard to construct a Nunciature so that, in the next few months he should relocate and stay right here in Malawi.”
Gallone replaced Archbishop Julio Murat who is presently serving in Cameroon.
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Good news. The Creator is already here in Malawi. I can’t wait to see the Mt. Carmel showdown. Welcome Mr Pope, but let it be known that your papacy will end right here in Malawi, and One True God will be known to the entire world. Please don’t change your mind I pray. Accept the invitation
To do what here?
This is not exactly good news and something to be celebrated since the proposed visit of Pope Francis is based on Malawi’s position as one of the poorest countries in the world. It is something that should rather be a source of shame to us Malawians. The Pope is welcome to come here but his visit will do nothing more than emphasise the country’s poverty.
Bishop Msusa has already spoiled the little relationship which was there between the Catholic church and the citizenry.