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.

• READ: Mugera Church in Burundi Elevated to Basilica by the Vatican

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.