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| (Sitting From Left) Most Rev. Paul Richard Gallagher, President Peter Mutharika and Most Rev. Thomas Msusa (Standing) Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, Catholic Bishops from Malawi and ECM Secretary General |
The Secretary for Relations with States at the Holy See, Most Rev. Paul Richard Gallagher has been on a three-day official visit to Malawi where among others he met with President Peter Mutharika at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre. President Mutharika in his speech commended the Roman Catholic Church for various development projects being initiated by the Church in the Country.
Mutharika also extended his gratitude to Pope Francis for the help rendered to the country through the Church’s humanitarian and emergency relief aid during the floods that affected 15 districts in January 2015.
The President commended the gesture saying government needed such complimentary efforts to reach out to the people in good time. According to Mutharika, the Malawi government realizes the important role the Roman Catholic Church plays in the socio economic development of the country.
“The Catholic Church has a long history of complementing democracy and meeting the social needs of the people by providing affordable education and health services,” he said.
He further acknowledged the role the Church plays in the good governance of the country, saying it complements the common mission that the Church and state have of supporting the people.
“We are indeed proud that one of the pillars of our democracy is freedom of religion and worship and for 49 years the Holy See has maintained diplomatic relations and has provided government advice,” said Mutharika.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher said most countries, including Malawi, are facing many challenges and the Holy See will continue to offer its support to the country.
“The disasters, which most countries are going through, are worrisome and the Catholic Church will continue to work with the country for the good of the people,” he said.
By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer