NTAHANGWA, August 13 (ABP) – Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to Pope León XIV, arrived on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, where he was welcomed by the Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, Prosper Bazombanza.
During a press briefing, Pietro Parolin announced that he came in response to a well-prepared invitation, adding that discussions regarding this visit began in 2023. He stated that he had chosen to schedule this visit during the period of the Feast of the Assumption. He further noted that the visit coincides with significant moments in both the civil and religious life of Burundi, including the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Burundi and the Holy See.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin noted that over the past 60 years, strong relations have been established between Burundi and the Holy See, highlighting key milestones such as the visit of the President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, to the Holy Father, during which he held discussions with him and with the Secretariat of State. He also recalled the Burundian government’s decision to establish a permanent embassy to the Holy See, which he said is a good sign that relations have become increasingly effective, adding that many other African countries have taken the same step. According to Pietro Parolin, the Holy See and other countries can work together, especially on major global issues, including local concerns. He revealed that there is a framework agreement that defines the relationship between them.
Cardinal Parolin also announced that the visit will include a commemoration of a murdered diplomat of the Holy See, Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi. He indicated that a social project will be inaugurated in memory of the work that Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney accomplished during the three years he lived in Burundi, a mission of peace and reconciliation among all the sons and daughters of Burundi.
Pietro Parolin also stated that he brings greetings from the Holy See, revealing that Pope León XIV entrusted him with delivering greetings to the people of Burundi, to civil, political, and religious authorities, and with expressing his closeness to the country and to all of Africa.
He concluded his speech with a quote from Saint John Paul II, the only pope to have visited Burundi to date, calling on the sons and daughters of Burundi to shape the future of their nation and to unite their efforts with one heart to strengthen the physical and moral health of their people. This quote also encouraged the people of Burundi to work with perseverance for the development of the country, so that the land may bear fruit, that everyone may use the gifts they have received, and that no one feels excluded or tempted to seek refuge in deadly marginalization. The same quote reminded Burundians that their tasks are great and demanding, but that they are capable of accomplishing them together, in unity and in restored peace, he emphasized.
Note that the visit of His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin is scheduled from August 12 to 18, and he will visit various parts of the country.