Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has landed in Rome for Pope Francis's funeral. The Pope died from stroke complications on Easter Monday. He will rest at Saint Mary Major Basilica, a place he picked because he loved the Virgin Mary.
His death saddened over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. President Mnangagwa called him a true servant of God. The President praised his moral leadership that lifted spiritual awareness everywhere. He sent his deputy to attend the ceremony as a sign of respect.
Chiwenga, himself a Catholic, has often praised church contributions to Zimbabwe since liberation. UN head Antonio Guterres will lead many world leaders at tomorrow's burial. The Pope broke tradition with his burial location—most recent popes lie in St Peter's Basilica, while six earlier popes rested at Saint Mary Major.
The event has drawn global attention. More than 2,000 foreign reporters received press passes for the ceremony, and Zimbabwe Newspapers 1980 Limited joined international media covering the funeral.
His death saddened over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. President Mnangagwa called him a true servant of God. The President praised his moral leadership that lifted spiritual awareness everywhere. He sent his deputy to attend the ceremony as a sign of respect.
Chiwenga, himself a Catholic, has often praised church contributions to Zimbabwe since liberation. UN head Antonio Guterres will lead many world leaders at tomorrow's burial. The Pope broke tradition with his burial location—most recent popes lie in St Peter's Basilica, while six earlier popes rested at Saint Mary Major.
The event has drawn global attention. More than 2,000 foreign reporters received press passes for the ceremony, and Zimbabwe Newspapers 1980 Limited joined international media covering the funeral.
