Vatican ready to support africa’s peace initiatives

THE Holy See is committed to supporting Africa in strengthening peace and reconciliation, so that the democratic institutions are attentive to the works of solidarity, Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone has said.

Archbishop Gallone said practical solidarity between nations was seen in the opening of frontiers by different countries, in order to generously receive refugees and displaced persons.

Speaking when he presented his letter of appointment as special representative of the Holy See to the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), he said Africa showed positive potential, grounded in its ancient culture and traditional spirit of hospitality.

“In many African states we see the growth of peaceful coexistence between the followers of different religions and the promotion of joint initiatives of solidarity,” he said.

Archbishop Gallone said the implementation of inclusive policies and the progress of democratic process were proving effective in many regions for combating absolute poverty and promoting social justice.

He said this attracted the support of the international community favouring the development of infrastructure, the growth of prospects for future general and the emancipation of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

And COMESA Secretary General Ms Chileshe Kapwepwe said the secretariat had been involved in supporting the integration agenda of the region with the ultimate object of supporting member states to transform their economies.