H.E. DR. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA, VISIT TO THE HOLY SEE (VATICAN)

On 12 February 2024, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, paid a State Visit to the Holy See. The president held an audience with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, during the visit. The visit aimed at promoting and strengthening relations between Tanzania and the Holy See. During their meeting, the two leaders expressed their joint commitment to promoting peace in the world.
At a subsequent meeting, the President engaged in fruitful discussions with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. The talks encompassed a wide range of topics, including existing areas of cooperation between Tanzania and the Holy See, and the potential for future collaboration. The leaders also acknowledged the significant role of the Catholic Church in Tanzania, particularly in charitable, educational, and healthcare initiatives. The regional and international situations were also deliberated upon, with both parties expressing a shared desire for an 'ever greater commitment to promoting peace.
As a testament to her commitment to the Tanzanian community abroad, the President hosted a dinner gala for the Tanzania diaspora from the Vatican and Italy. This diverse group included priests, deacons, religious men and women, and seminaries, all of whom were honored to be in the presence of their President.