From 4 to 6 September, Pope Francis visited Mozambique, a visit marked by its focus on reconciliation, with reference made to the country’s recently concluded peace agreement. On 6 September, the Pope visited the Sant’Egidio DREAM Centre in Zimpeto, a suburb of Maputo. Here he gave a short speech and was given a tour of the medical facilities, accompanied by Mozambican Minister of Health, Nazira Abdula. Afterwards, the Pope took the time to personally minister to the sick and needy.
Deputy General Representative Kaat Matthys was present during this visit, as the Sant’Egidio DREAM project receives financial support from Flanders. The DREAM health centre offers free healthcare to the economically disadvantaged and to those who cannot easily access medical facilities. Flemish funding, amongst other things, pays for a number of staff salaries at the hospital.
Following his visit to the DREAM hospital, the Pope celebrated an open-air Mass in the large Zimpeto stadium for the thousands of locals gathered there.