The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops released a Pastoral Letter urging justice and economic reforms amid a $21 billion public debt crisis, rampant corruption, and political instability. The bishops call for a national metanoia to address systemic issues while emphasizing the significance of the Jubilee Year, advocating for societal transformation and human dignity.
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops have issued a Pastoral Letter titled “…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,” as the country grapples with a staggering public debt of $21 billion against a 2025 budget of $10.6 billion. This economic crisis is compounded by rampant corruption, numerous company closures, and significant job losses. These factors have continued to widen the disparity between the affluent and the impoverished how citizens of Zimbabwe are enduring severe challenges.
Referencing biblical jubilee principles for inspiration, the bishops advocate for debt relief and social justice, aiming for the restoration of dignity for the oppressed. They stress that the relentless high-interest rates imposed by global financial institutions further bind Zimbabwe in economic strife, thus compelling the need for reforms to break this oppressive cycle.
Moreover, the bishops emphasize the distractions posed by divisive politics amid Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggles, highlighting the arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga for allegedly inciting violence as a troubling example of political repression. They lament the contention surrounding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s potential ‘Third Term’ candidacy, noting it creates divisions that detract from critical issues such as poverty and corruption.
Highlighting the urgent need for true repentance and transformation, the bishops call for a national metanoia. They express serious concern regarding the alarmingly high levels of corruption, which perpetuate an inequitable system favoring a privileged few while leaving the majority in despair. This reform, they argue, demands a collective transformation rather than individual change.
The bishops commend the recent abolition of the Death Penalty Act as a positive advancement toward respecting human dignity, yet assert that this is merely a first step. They advocate for further measures impacting fairness, equity, and moral integrity within governance. As the sacred season of Lent approaches, the bishops urge the faithful to contemplate the essence of the upcoming Jubilee Year, encompassing forgiveness, restoration, and justice.
Their message serves as a clarion call for collective action to restore dignity, address injustice, and inspire hope in the face of adversity. As Zimbabweans navigate their adversities, the bishops remind them that true transformation must extend beyond personal faith to encompass broad societal reform.
In a time of profound economic and political crisis, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops articulate a pressing need for justice, awareness of the plight of the marginalized, and a transformative approach to the governance that prioritizes collective good over individual gain. Their Pastoral Letter not only calls for debt relief and social reform but also encourages the faithful to embody the principles of the Jubilee Year—a message of hope and renewal resonating within Zimbabwe’s challenging landscape.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
