President Felix Tshisekedi completed his visit with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday before heading on an official visit to the United Kingdom.
The president of Democratic
Republic of Congo discussed the country’s Framework Agreement with the Vatican,
while emphasizing the role the influential Roman Catholic Church has played in
advancing democracy among the Congolese. Notably, its bishops played a key role
in pressing for the removal of former president Joseph Kabila in 2016 after his
constitutionally limited two terms expired, called for elections, and
challenged the results that, ironically, put Tshisekedi in office.
The Church constitutes an
important social body with its 35 million faithful. Over 60% of schools, two
universities and hospitals are run by the Church. Observers from Cenco (The National
Episcopal Conference of the Congo was involved in the "national
dialogue" for the establishment of a presidential election, editor's note)
were very skeptical about the results of the 2018 presidential elections. The
Congolese Church ended up accepting the verdict giving Félix Tshisekedi the
winner.
Part of the Catholic
community in the country believes that the Church should have remained in its
spiritual role and not been involved as much on the issue of political
transition.
The President of the Republic,
Félix Tshisekedi, spoke with Pope Francis this Friday, January 17, during an
official meeting at the residence of the Holy Father.
Sources say the head of
state’s visit was part of improving relations between the DRC and the Vatican.
Indeed, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal
Fridolin Ambongo, had talks with President Tshisekedi as a prelude to this
trip.
An interview at the end of
which some analysts had agreed that the aim would be to consolidate this
relationship between Félix Tshisekedi and the Catholic Church which had indeed
questioned the validity of the results of the presidential election in December
2018.
Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor
Comments
Post a Comment