Pope Francis appreciates Zambia's attempts to alleviate debt obligations
Catholic Church in Zambia Advocates for Debt Relief and Sustainable Development
The Catholic Church in Zambia has been actively involved in advocating for debt relief, aligning its efforts with broader Church campaigns across Africa and globally to demand debt cancellation and promote financial justice for the poorest countries.
The 58th World Peace Day, celebrated on January 1, 2025, provided a platform for Pope Francis to praise Zambia's efforts towards debt relief and call for further cooperation between the Church and the government. This message was a testament to the Holy See's commitment to Zambia's economic and social development.
In early 2021, Zambia applied for debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments, and an agreement on a debt restructuring deal was reached with creditors in October 2023. The President plans to use the funds freed up by the debt relief for strategic investments and international trade partnerships.
President Hakainde Hichilema met with the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gianluca Bregantini, on December 31, 2024, and the discussion focused on the Catholic Church's role in supporting Zambia's debt relief efforts. The President praised the Church's decades-long contributions to education, health, and social welfare in Zambia.
The Zambian government's policy to promote the well-being of the population includes close cooperation with religious organizations. The Church's advocacy for debt cancellation, spiritual and social mobilization during the Jubilee Year 2025, support for sustainable development, and community-level initiatives are all aimed at relieving the economic, social, and environmental pressures caused by debt and poverty.
Through justice and ecology networks like the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA), the Church promotes environmentally sustainable projects that address both poverty and climate change, reflecting a strategic investment in Zambia’s development future beyond mere debt relief. Catholic parishes also contribute directly to local and international charities that work on food security, education, and vulnerable populations, thus reinforcing sustainable local development alongside advocacy efforts.
The diplomatic relations between Zambia and the Vatican are based on a solid foundation of mutual respect and cooperation. The Pope's message to President Hichilema was a further testament to this relationship, emphasizing the importance of peace, harmony, and international cooperation. The Zambian Foreign Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, also stated that the Pope's message highlighted the importance of the Holy See's role in supporting Zambia's debt relief efforts.
[1] Catholic Church in Zambia advocates for debt relief [2] Zambia secures debt restructuring deal [3] Catholic Church supports sustainable development in Zambia [4] Jubilee Year 2025: A call for justice and reconciliation [5] Catholic Church supports grassroots projects in Zambia
- The Catholic Church in Zambia has been an active advocate for debt relief, aligning its efforts with broader Church campaigns across Africa and globally to demand debt cancellation and promote financial justice for the poorest countries.
- In early 2021, Zambia applied for debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments, and an agreement on a debt restructuring deal was reached with creditors in October 2023.
- Beyond debt relief, the Catholic Church in Zambia supports sustainable development through various initiatives, such as environmentally sustainable projects that address both poverty and climate change, community-level projects, and contributions to local and international charities.
