Pope Francis Receives the President of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, at the Vatican - VIDEO

On August 19th, 2024, in the Apostolic Palace, in the Vatican, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the President of the Republic of Malawi, Africa, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera. President Chakwera then met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
Before becoming President in 2020, Chakwera was an instructor at a School of Theology and also served as the head of the Malawian Assemblies of God.

The President gifted thhe pope a hand-made, wooden representation of his country.
"Your Holiness, this is a map of Malawi, and from North to South," with the lake, he said.
Pope Francis in turn gifted him a figure of Mother Mary, his message for peace and books that he has written. "I'm an avid reader, I will…thank you." said the president.
 President Chakwera and his wife have four children and twelve grandchildren. He says he discussed strengthening ties between the Catholic Church and Malawi.

The Holy See wrote, during the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, the good relations between the Holy See and Malawi were highlighted, and some aspects of the political and socio-economic situation of the country were addressed, especially collaboration with the Catholic Church in the fields of healthcare, education and professional training.

The conversation continued with an exchange of opinions on regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of promoting dialogue and reconciliation among peoples.

From the Vatican, 19 August 2024

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2024/08/19/0618/01254.html