MUKAZA, August 5 (ABP) – The President of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye, received in audience on Monday, August 4, 2025, Cardinal Michael Czerny, who is responsible for humanitarian action at the Vatican. Cardinal Michael Czerny, who was received by the President of the Republic, was accompanied by Bonaventure Nahimana, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi (CECAB), and the Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, Dieudonné Datonou.
The spokesperson for the Burundian Head of State, Rosine Guilene Gatoni, indicated that Cardinal Michael Czerny conveyed a message from Pope Leo XIV to the President of the Republic of Burundi, commending the welcome and support extended to refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
After visiting these refugees, the Cardinal said he was deeply moved by the love and solidarity shown by the Burundian people. He also encouraged the Burundian Head of State for his active commitment to promoting peace and security, Gatoni noted.
For his part, according to Gatoni, the Apostolic Nuncio, Dieudonné Datonou, presented two important messages. First, he announced that the Mugera Sanctuary will soon be granted the status of a basilica. This decision follows a request made by President Ndayishimiye during his visit to the Vatican. Second, he informed that a visit from the Vatican’s Secretary General is scheduled in two weeks. On that occasion, Burundian authorities and the Catholic Church will launch the construction of an infrastructure dedicated to the memory of the former papal representative in Burundi, Michael Aidan Courtney, who was assassinated in Minago. Furthermore, he announced that the opening of the Burundian embassy to the Vatican will take place very soon.
According to Gatoni, the Burundian Head of State commended this visit and praised the Catholic Church’s initiative to continue supporting Burundi’s efforts for peace and development. He recalled the historical role of the Catholic Church in building the country, notably through the establishment of the first schools, hospitals, and various social programs.
To that end, she stated that the Head of State called on the Church to continue accompanying the country, especially within the framework of the vision for Burundi to become an emerging nation by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060.