Maputo: The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) has confirmed that Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will arrive in the country this week, in a visit widely interpreted as a powerful gesture of solidarity from Pope Leo XIV. The Cardinal’s trip comes at a delicate moment for Mozambique, which continues to grapple with a prolonged Islamist insurgency in the northern Cabo Delgado Province a conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed countless civilian lives. His arrival coincides with the Bishops’ plenary assembly, adding heightened pastoral and diplomatic significance to the days ahead.
The announcement was made by Archbishop Inácio Saure, President of the Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Nampula, who described the visit as both an honour and a source of renewed encouragement for the local Church. Alongside Cardinal Parolin’s engagements, the Bishops of Mozambique will hold their annual plenary meeting, gathering prelates from every diocese in the country to review pastoral priorities and discuss pressing national concerns. The assembly will run in parallel with the Third National Youth Day, one of the largest Catholic youth gatherings in Mozambique, expected to draw thousands of participants from across the nation.
Archbishop Saure noted that the convergence of these major events the plenary assembly, National Youth Day, and Cardinal Parolin’s official visit marks a significant moment for the Mozambican Church. He stressed the considerable pastoral, logistical, and organizational importance of this period, underscoring its potential to strengthen the Church’s mission and presence throughout the country.
Reflecting on the Vatican envoy’s visit, Archbishop Saure emphasized its deep symbolic and pastoral weight. He described the Cardinal’s presence as a strong expression of Pope Leo XIV’s concern for the Mozambican people, especially communities suffering from instability, displacement, and economic strain. “The Cardinal will bring a message of solidarity and the Holy Father’s closeness to the suffering Mozambican people,” he said, adding that the gesture is expected to offer consolation and moral support to the beleaguered populations of Cabo Delgado and Nampula.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Third National Youth Day is set to become a vibrant celebration of faith, unity, and youthful energy. Participants from all dioceses and archdioceses will gather for prayer, formation, cultural events, and fellowship, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual and social development of young Mozambicans.
Church leaders hope that this confluence of major national events, combined with the Vatican’s personal outreach, will bolster unity, renew hope, and invigorate the evangelising mission of the Church at a time when Mozambique continues to navigate complex social, humanitarian, and security challenges.