Tanzania’s President to hold private talks with Pope Francis in Vatican

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

President of Tanzania, Samia Hassan is expected to meet and hold a private conversation with Pope Francis as she begins her visit to Vatican City on Monday.

The invitation for President Hassan’s visit came directly from Pope Francis, as confirmed by Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, on his official X (formerly Twitter) platform on Sunday afternoon.

The minister stated that upon her arrival, President Hassan will be welcomed by Pope Francis at his offices, where they will engage in private discussions.

Following their tête-à-tête, the head of the Catholic Church will meet with President’s entire delegation.

Additionally, she is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State for the Vatican City, Pietro Parolin, among other dignitaries during her visit.

Her delegation to the Vatican includes representatives from Tanzania’s Catholic Church associations and missions, including youth, men, and women wings.

Last year, Tanzania’s Catholic Bishops strongly criticised and cautioned the Government of Tanzania against going ahead with the controversial Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Tanzania and Dubai, giving exclusive port rights to the Dubai-based DP World company.

The Tanzania government went ahead and signed the agreement, ignoring the “voice of the people” that the Bishops termed as “the voice of God.”