On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Mozambique and the 30th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the Holy See, the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique to the Holy See organized a solemn celebration held on 25 June 2025 in the beautiful setting of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, in Rome.
The commemoration began with a Holy Mass presided over by Mozambican priests of MOCATI, association of Mozambican Catholics, attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, as well as some diplomats accredited to the Italian Republic. The event was a moment of deep spiritual reflection and thanksgiving for the path of peace, development, and international cooperation undertaken by Mozambique over the past decades.
Following the liturgical celebration, a speech was delivered by H.E. Ambassador Raul Domingos, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and hope, highlighting the significance of dialogue, peace, and solidarity in the relations between Mozambique and the Holy See.
Afterwards, guests gathered for a reception in the Hall of the Community of Sant’Egidio, where an atmosphere of fraternity and friendship was warmly shared. A highlight of the evening was the performance by students from the National Academy of Dance, who paid tribute to Mozambique by gracefully performing the marrabenta, a traditional Mozambican dance and vibrant expression of the country’s cultural identity.
The Embassy warmly thanks all those who participated in this important celebration, contributing to the strengthening of the bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Mozambique and the Holy See.
The full text of the speech delivered by H.E. Ambassador Raul Domingos is attached to this article.
Speech on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Independence and the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the Holy See
Your Excellencies Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great honor and a sense of responsibility that I address you on this memorable occasion, in which we celebrate two historic milestones for Mozambique: 50 years of our National Independence and 30 years of Diplomatic Relations with the Holy See.
It is with deep pride and gratitude that we celebrate these two historic milestones today. These are dates that make us look back in the past, face the present with courage and to the future with hope.
Half a century ago, Mozambique emerged as a free nation after a tough path of resistance. Since then, we have traveled a long road – not always paved, sometimes full of potholes – but always with the people as the driving force.
Five decades ago, Mozambique asserted itself as a sovereign state, after an arduous path of struggle and sacrifice, led by people determined to build their own destiny. Independence was not just a date: it was a collective affirmation of dignity, justice and self-determination. And in this process, it is only fair to highlight the contribution of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and its allies in solidarity, among which the Holy See stands out.
I recall here the historic gesture of Pope Paul VI who, in a politically sensitive moment, received in the Vatican the leaders of the liberation struggle of Mozambique (Frelimo) and Angola (MPLA), and Guinea-Bissau (PAIGC), namely Marcelino dos Santos, Agostinho Neto and Amilcar Cabral respectively.
This act had an inestimable political and symbolic value, representing a clear ethical position by the Holy See in defense of justice and the rights of African peoples to self-determination. Its impact reverberated well beyond the corridors of Vatican diplomacy: It resonated in consciences and strengthened the legitimacy of our cause.
Mozambique has come a long way since then. We have consolidated peace, with emphasis on the General Peace Agreement signed in Rome in 1992 between the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) and, more recently, significant progress towards stabilizing areas still affected by insecurity.
Peacebuilding in Mozambique is ongoing and requires perseverance. But our journey shows that it is possible to transform scars into seeds of reconciliation.
In the social and economic sphere, we have made a substantial progress. Our economy, despite its ups and downs, has shown its capacity to adapt, even with the crises and the growing climate threat (in the last 40 years alone there have been more than 25 cyclones, 20 floods and more than 15 droughts) the Mozambican people remain resilient.
Literacy reached unthinkable levels in 1975. Access to primary education expanded significantly and the public health sector greatly benefited from the presence and action of religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, which continues to be a crucial partner in providing services to the population, through organizations such as the Community of Sant’Egidio, Caritas and others.
It is also with pride that we celebrate today the 30th Anniversary of formal Diplomatic Relations with the Holy See, established in 1995. This relationship has been marked by mutual respect, concrete cooperation and continuous dialogue. The Holy See has played an active role in supporting peace, social justice, education and the promotion of human rights in our country.
I would like to highlight in this regard the visit of Pope Francis to Mozambique in 2019, during which he pronounced striking words: “You have the right to Peace”. A simple but powerful phrase that reminds us that peace is a right, not a luxury, a message that remains current and necessary.
Pope John Paul II, during his historic visit to Mozambique in 1998, also urged us to seek reconciliation and build a country based on the dignity of the human person.
Benedict XVI, in turn, has recognized on several occasions the role of faith communities in rebuilding our social structure.
Catholic schools, missionary hospitals, training programs and even spiritual comfort in times of pain – such as after cyclones Idai and Kenneth – are visible signs of this cooperation. The Catholic Church was not just an observer: it was an active agent in the moral and material construction of our country.
Despite the progress, we recognize that structural challenges still persist: regional inequalities, climate vulnerability, corruption, insecurity in some provinces and the urgent need to generate real opportunities for Mozambican youth.
The government’s commitment is firm: we want to consolidate peace, diversify the economy, promote inclusion and strengthen democratic governance.
The partnership with the Holy See will continue to be fundamental in this journey. It is a relationship based not only on political or religious interests, but on universal human values. A friendship that inspires trust and cooperation.
Excellencies,
Celebrating 50 years of Independence is celebrating the maturity of a State. And celebrating 30 years of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the Holy See is celebrating a long-standing friendship – We know the limits, but we choose to continue, because together we are better.
Let the words of the Popes become a roadmap and the lessons of the past become fuel. Let us make politics an act of service, faith a bridge and youth a priority. And let every Mozambican, wherever they may be, be a builder of peace, justice and dignity.
If the future is as bright as the dreams of our young people and as solid as the values we share with the Holy See, then Ladies and Gentlemen, Mozambique’s best is yet to come.
Finally, I would like to wish the Holy Father success in his Pontificate.
I ask the Holy Father to continue praying for Mozambique and its people.
Thank you very much.
