Lusaka, 04 October, 2019 / 2:54 am (ACI Africa).
The appointment of the Apostolic Nuncio in Malawi and Zambia to represent the Vatican at the free trade area consisting twenty-one member states within Eastern and Southern Africa has been interpreted as the Holy See’s commitment to the affairs of the African continent, the Nuncio, Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone has explained.
“My appointment as special representative to this organization is an expression of the continued good relationship between the Holy See and COMESA as we share in the goal of contributing to strengthening peace and common good for Africa’s people,” Archbishop Gallone said in reference to his appointment to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
“Holy See’s commitment to Africa is clearly visible through the numerous statements of the Holy Father Pope Francis and his several pastoral visits to the continent,” the Italian-born Nuncio emphasized when he was presenting his appointment letter to the bloc’s Secretary General in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Nuncio appreciated the work of COMESA in the region saying it has created “a global space for improving the living standards of many people” through its initiatives and programs.
The policies implemented by COMESA, he said, “are proving effective in many regions for combating absolute poverty and promoting social justice.”
