In Audience with Burkina Faso’s President, Vatican Secretary of State Says Holy See Supports Peace Efforts

This relationship, the Italian-born Cardinal noted, fosters collaboration in initiatives aimed at helping the most vulnerable populations, particularly through projects related to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

“The relationship leads to common actions in favour of the people, especially the most vulnerable, in order to contain the material and spiritual needs of the population,” he added.

During his discussions with Burkina Faso’s leadership, Cardinal Parolin said they addressed the government's determination to restore security amid ongoing terrorist threats. 

“We talked a lot about peace and the fight against terrorism, the will of the government to regain control of the territory and to ensure conditions of peace and development of the population,” Cardinal Parolin said.

He continued, “It seemed very important to me to put together on the one hand, the military action, but on the other hand, development actions. It is important that people can enjoy their fundamental rights to food, education, health, and everything that makes life possible—a life worthy for the population.”

The Vatican Secretary of State also recognized the role of the local Catholic Church in Burkina Faso, saying that the Church is “actively engaged in providing essential services to communities affected by violence and displacement.”

“We support the local Church in its engagement in the different areas of life and activity, especially in terms of health and education,” he said.

The Vatican official said the Holy See’s wish for Burkina Faso is to “create conditions that allow dialogue and collaboration for the welfare of the population.”

Cardinal Parolin’s February 14-18 visit coincided with the conclusion of the 125th Jubilee celebrations of the arrival of Catholic missionaries in Burkina Faso.

In his homily during the conclusion of the jubilee, the Vatican Cardinal called upon Catholics in the West African nation to uphold integrity, embrace hope, and foster solidarity.