President Hakainde Hichilema has described the late Pope Francis as a man of fairness, peace, and profound humility.
The Head of State praised the late Pontiff for his compassion and unwavering dedication to reaching out to those in need, including conflict-affected nations such as Sudan, Russia, and Ukraine.
Speaking at the Embassy of the Holy See in Lusaka, where he conveyed his heartfelt condolences, President Hichilema reflected on his visit to the Vatican early in his presidency, during which he held a meaningful and impactful meeting with Pope Francis.
He said Zambia is mourning alongside the global Catholic community and announced the dispatch of a four-member delegation to represent him at the Pope’s funeral in Rome.
The delegation is led by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe.
Other members include Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama, Bishop of Chipata and President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops George Lungu, and Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi.
President Hichilema also signed the book of condolences on behalf of the people of Zambia.
By Prudence Chota
