Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
In the afternoon of August 12, 2025, at Melchior NDANDAYE International Airport, the Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Prosper Bazombanza , accompanied by the Minister of Home Affairs, Community Development and Public Security, the Honorable Léonidas NDARUZANYE, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Éduard BIZIMANA, as well as high-ranking civil and religious dignitaries, welcomed His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin , Secretary of State of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who is on a working, friendship and pastoral visit to Burundi from August 12 to 18, 2025.
In his statement to the press, he conveyed the Pope’s greetings to the Head of State, the civil and religious authorities, and the Burundian population as whole. He also recalled Burundians of the powerful words of Pope John Paul II during his visit to Burundi 35 years ago: “Daughters and sons of Burundi, it is the future of your nation that you must shape for yourselves. Unite your efforts with one heart to strengthen the physical and moral health of your people. Prepare your youth, who need self-confidence and peace, a homeland where it is good to live. Work with perseverance for the development of your country, so that the land bears fruit, that everyone finds a job suited to the gifts they have received, that no one feels excluded or tempted to seek refuge in deadly marginalization. Your responsibilities are great and heavy, but I am certain that you are capable of fulfilling them together, in unity and reconciliation.”
He specified that this visit has a dual character, both civil and religious, a coincidence with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Burundi and the Holy See. It also follows the visit of the President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, to the Holy See in 2022, as well as the opening of the Resident Embassy of Burundi to the Vatican. This guest of honor plans to meet with senior authorities of Burundi to discuss current global issues. It should also be noted that His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin will also take part in the inauguration of a monument and the laying of the foundation stone of a health center in memory of the late Monsignor Michael Courtney, Apostolic Nuncio, assassinated in Burundi.