The Ambassador of Burundi in Berlin presents his credentials to the Holy Father

On thursday, May 19, 2022, the Ambassador of Burundi in Berlin Her Excellency Madam Appolonie NIBONA presented her credentials to the Holy Father in the Clement Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

The Ambassador let it be known that she is happy with the event. She informed the Holy Father that the Government of Burundi wishes to strengthen the relations that exist between Burundi and the Christian Community.

The Holy Father congratulated the Ambassador of Burundi accredited to Vatican and greatly appreciated Burundi’s commitment to strengthening relations between Burundi and the Christian Community of Berlin. Relations between Burundi and the Vatican date back a long time and have always been very good. Acts to the credit of bilateral relations are to be highlighted in the field of education, and in the diplomatic field.

In the field of education, the Vatican has provided invaluable support in the education and training of millions of Burundian citizens and in the construction and equipment of many schools. Concerning the strengthening of diplomatic relations, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to Burundi from September 7 to 9, 1990 as well as the visits that various Burundian Heads of State paid to the Holy See. The Government of Burundi is very grateful to the Vatican for various messages of support from Holy See each time the people of Burundi took a step forward towards the establishment of democracy or went through a serious socio-political crisis such as that started in October 1993. Relations between Burundi and the Vatican have also been marked by stays in Burundi of Special Envoys bearing personal messages from Pope John Paul II to the Head of State and to the people of Burundi, messages of support for the Catholic Church to the actions undertaken by the Government of Burundi for the return of peace and security.

It should be noted that the Catholic Church solemnly welcomed on thursday, February 10, 2022 the new Apostolic Nuncio Dieudonné DATONOU sent to Burundi by Pope Francis. On March 3, 2022, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye received him in his presidential palace in Gitega. They discussed the relations of friendship and cooperation that bind Burundi and the Holy See. The Apostolic Nuncio took this opportunity to present to the Head of State the Pope’s message wishing him the best wishes for the New Year.

He also indicated that the Pope would like the Head of State, His Excellency Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE to visit the Holy See. This is how His Excellency responded to the invitation and he was received by His Holiness Pope Francis, at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on Saturday March 26, 2022. The attention of the two great Personalities was retained by the good collaboration between the Catholic Church and the Government of Burundi, concerted efforts for reconciliation, reconstruction and the fight against poverty, and many others. It should be noted that, as part of the strengthening of cooperation between the Vatican and Burundi, the Holy Father has announced his visit to Burundi in 2023, on a date to be agreed between the two parties.