Ethiopia at the Vatican

During the afternoon of Monday, 21 January 2019, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency, Mister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.  His Excellency later met with His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, who was accompanied by Monsignor Antoine Camillieri, Under-secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, emphasis was placed upon the existing good relationship between the Holy See and Ethiopia.  Subsequently, important initiatives underway for the promotion of national reconciliation and for the full development of the country were noted. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the role of Christianity in the history of the Ethiopian people and further enhancement the contribution of Catholic institutions in the educational and health fields.

During the remainder of the talks, focus was placed on the regional situation, on the peaceful solution of conflicts and on the socio-economic development of Africa. In particular, there was talk of Ethiopia's commitment to the stabilization of the Horn of Africa, with special reference to the recent agreement and the resumption of diplomatic relations with Eritrea.