Catholic Church Lays Foundation Stone for New Apostolic Nunciature in Lilongwe

The Catholic Church in Malawi has on 22 September 2025, marked a significant milestone with the laying of the foundation stone for a new Apostolic Nunciature in Lilongwe.

The historic ceremony was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, and attended by a host of dignitaries.

Archbishop Gian Luca Perici unveils the commemorative pillar

The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka, described the event as a key step in establishing a permanent base for the Holy See’s diplomatic mission in the country.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, with Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka (President of MCCB) at the ceremony

In his remarks, his Lordship revealed that the project had been delayed for years due to financial issues and uncertainty from the Holy See regarding the need for a dedicated representative in Malawi.

Bishop Mtumbuka speaks on the significance of the new Nunciature as a new chapter for the Catholic faithful in the country

Bishop Mtumbuka expressed profound gratitude to Pope Francis for authorizing and approving the project. He also thanked previous apostolic nuncios, the Government of Malawi for donating the plot of land decades ago, and all the parishioners and faithful who were present.

“May God bless this project; may God bless the Catholic Church in Malawi and God bless our country,” he prayed.

Adding a government perspective, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mwayiwawo Polepole, stated his excitement, emphasizing that the new Nunciature would “cement” diplomatic relations between Malawi and the Holy See.

Representing the government, Mwayiwawo Polepole of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks on the strengthening diplomatic ties between Malawi and the Holy See

He noted that having a resident representative would ensure Malawi “will always be in their mind.”

Polepole highlighted the significance of the event, given that the land was granted to the Holy See over 50 years ago, and expressed enthusiasm that Malawi would no longer be accredited from another country in the region.

Building a new chapter for the Church in Malawi. Archbishop Gian Luca Perici participates in the foundation stone-laying ceremony

Representing the construction team, Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction Limited, assured the public that the project would be completed in under two years.

Jose A. Da Costa, Managing Director of Terrastone Construction, shares details on the project’s timeline and commitment to eco-friendly practices

He also committed to an eco-friendly approach, stating that an environmental study had been conducted to ensure the preservation of indigenous trees on the site. According to Da Costa, the client’s instructions were to save all possible trees, and the materials used for construction will also be eco-friendly.