Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vatican City – Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda, attended a historic audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in the Hall of Benedictions at the Vatican on Saturday, 21st June 2025. The meeting marked the culmination of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Interfaith Dialogue, which commenced on 19th June 2025, in Italy, bringing together a kaleidoscope of global Members of Parliaments, religious leaders and academia to discuss and proffer ideas on achieving global religious harmony as well as understanding and collaboration across religious divides.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant address which began by welcoming delegates from 68 countries, underpinning the criticality of their responsibility to promote the welfare of all, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized, pointing to politics as the highest form of charity in this endeavour. The Pope then spoke of the shared values that unite humanity—compassion, love and the pursuit of peace, urging political leaders to champion these values within their communities and to work towards a world where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than a weakness.
Urging Parliamentarians to prioritize the common good, the Pope advocated for equitable resource distribution to address wealth disparities and prevent violence and social injustice, in a world where the privileged few control and own a large chunk of the global wealth. On Religious Freedom and Dialogue, the Pope stressed the significance of authentic religious freedom and interreligious dialogue, encouraging political leaders to create an environment conducive to respectful encounters between diverse faiths, referencing natural law as a universal guide for legislation and emphasizing its cardinal role in ethical decision-making.
Addressing the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and in consonance with the submissions during the general debate on Friday, Pope Leo noted that AI is indeed a digital development that will certainly be of great utility to society, provided that its employment does not undermine the identity and dignity of the human person and his or her fundamental freedoms, he warned.
Similarly, his Holiness called for careful consideration of AI’s role in society, asserting that it should serve humanity rather than replace it. He highlighted the need for politics to engage with the ethical implications of the digital culture. In his closing remarks, the Pope invoked the example of Saint Thomas More as a model for political leaders, encouraging them to view their work as a mission for truth and transparency. He expressed gratitude for the delegates’ commitment to public service and offered his blessings for their endeavours.
Thereafter, Speaker Mudenda and his delegation were privileged, sombre and deeply moved as they went through the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, a meaningful ritual that embodies the themes of mercy, renewal and community within the Catholic faith. Speaker Mudenda and his delegation then witnessed the grandeur of the Vatican, observing its rich history and architectural spectre.
Highlights of their tour included the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s masterpieces, and St. Peter’s Basilica, where the awe-inspiring dome and intricate artworks reflect centuries of faith and artistry.
The delegation also engaged in discussions on interfaith initiatives, exploring the Vatican’s role as a global leader in promoting peace and understanding among diverse cultures. Speaker Mudenda expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Pope Leo XIV and reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing interfaith harmony nationally and beyond.