Vatican and Republic of Botswana establish diplomatic relations.
(Nov.04, 2008):- The Holy See and the Republic of Botswana agreed on Tuesday (Nov.
4) to establish diplomatic relations. A communique from Vatican’s Press Office said
both the parties, eager to promote relations of mutual friendship and develop international
cooperation, agreed to establish diplomatic relations at the level of an Apostolic
Nunciature by the Holy See and at the level of an embassy by the Republic of Botswana.
Botswana covers an area of 581,730 sq. kms. It has a population of about
1.586.000 inhabitants. Catholics number only 5% of the population. The first missionaries
came to the then Protectorate of Beuchuanaland in 1850. It was only in 1928 that
the Oblates of Mary Immaculate managed to establish a mission and an elementary school.
After the 2nd World War came the Irish Passionist Fathers. Currently, 84
thousand Catholics are distributed in two Church constitutencies – the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Gaborone and the Apostolic Vicariate of Francistown. There are 27 diocesan
priests, 38 parishes, 40 religious priests and some 300 catechists. T
The
Catholic Church is particularly involved in helping the sick and the orphans, opening
schools, which are much appreciated, and in the prevention of diseases. Women play
a key role in the life of the Church, especially as catechists, teachers and nurses.
Thus the country is making great strides in health and education.
A high proportion
of the populations suffers from HIV and the government, aware of the impact on the
economy, has decided to allocate one quarter of the 2008 budget about 80 million euros
to fight against AIDS.