Vatican Secretary of State Parolin in Burundi for High-Level Visit

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin is in Burundi for a five-day working visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, religious, and social cooperation between the Holy See and the East African nation.

Cardinal Parolin arrived in Bujumbura on 12 August 2025, where he was welcomed by Vice-President Prosper Bazombanza, senior Catholic clergy, and hundreds of faithful. The Apostolic Nunciature had earlier confirmed the visit, which marks a significant moment in the 60-year diplomatic relationship between the Holy See and Burundi.

Meeting with President Ndayishimiye

On 13 August, President Évariste Ndayishimiye, widely known as “Neva Wacu,” hosted Cardinal Parolin at the Ntare Rushatsi Presidential Palace. The two leaders first held a private meeting, during which Parolin delivered a message from Pope Leon VI to the Burundian head of state.

Talks later expanded to include government ministers and church officials. Discussions centred on strengthening ties between the Holy See and Burundi, with a focus on education, healthcare, prison services, and security cooperation.

President Ndayishimiye commended the Catholic Church for its role in Burundi’s national development, particularly in the social sector.

Signing of New Cooperation Agreements

The visit also marked the signing of seven bilateral agreements, 13 years after the 2012 Framework Agreement between the Holy See and Burundi. The agreements were signed by Burundian ministers and Archbishop Bonaventure Nahimana of Gitega, formalising cooperation in health, education, prison administration, and security.

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President Ndayishimiye also expressed gratitude for the Holy See’s decision to elevate the historic Mugera Parish, founded in 1899, to the rank of a basilica.

Upcoming Events on the Visit

Cardinal Parolin’s programme includes several key events across the country:

• 14 August: Inauguration of a monument and laying of the foundation stone for a health centre in Minago, Bururi Diocese, in honour of the late Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Michael Courtney.

• 15 August: Holy Mass at the National Marian Shrine Regina Pacis de Mugera, in the Archdiocese of Gitega.

• 16 August: Meetings with priests and religious leaders at Saint Jean-Marie Vianney Major Seminary in Bujumbura, Holy Mass with seminarians, a concert, and inauguration of a memorial to Monsignor Courtney attended by the diplomatic corps at the Apostolic Nunciature.

• 17 August: Closing Mass for the Jubilee of 60 years of Holy See, Burundi diplomatic relations at the Shrine of Our Lady Three Times Admirable of Schoenstatt-Mount Sion Gikungu, the site of Pope John Paul II’s 1990 visit.

Background on Holy See-Burundi Relations

The Holy See and Burundi established diplomatic relations in 1965. The Catholic Church remains one of the most influential religious institutions in the country, operating numerous schools, hospitals, and community programmes. Vatican envoys have historically played a role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation during periods of political tension.

Cardinal Parolin’s visit comes at a time when Burundi is seeking to expand international partnerships, and the Holy See is deepening engagement with African nations through social, pastoral, and diplomatic initiatives.