Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé discussed peace and strengthening relations with the Holy See in Rome over the weekend. The head of the transitional government was received by Pope Leo XIV on Saturday and then spoke with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
In a brief conversation with EWTN News, Parolin revealed that "we also talked about concrete initiatives regarding peace" with the prime minister, such as a conference on peace in Haiti, but "there is nothing in particular at the moment." The secretary of state acknowledged that the local Church "is certainly active, helps, and contributes" on the ground.
"During the cordial talks," the Holy See Press Office said in a release, both sides appreciated "good relations," stressing the "valuable contribution that the Church offers to the country at this particular time."
They touched upon "the socio-political situation and problems in the humanitarian field, migration, and security fields" while mentioning "the necessary contribution of the international community to face current difficulties," the communiqué concluded.
Haiti is experiencing a multidimensional crisis. The country was struck by a devastating earthquake in 2010 and a subsequent cholera outbreak. In 2021, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, and the security and political situation deteriorated. Armed gangs control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and there have not been general elections for a decade. The next general elections are scheduled for Aug. 30.
"We want to organize elections, ensure security, and move from receiving humanitarian aid to entering the commerce and market," the prime minister said after the Mass for peace in Haiti, presided over by Parolin in the Basilica of St. Mary Major following the audience at the Vatican.
Fils-Aimé added that the audience with Pope Leo "was very emotional." He appreciated "the exceptional relation with the Holy See," highlighting that "the morale of the Catholic Church" is a "positive" factor in Haitian society.
"Looking at the current international situation," Parolin said in his homily, "we can all recognize how much our world needs God's presence and, therefore, the gift of peace."
The Vatican's secretary of state said that "peace is the first gift of the Resurrected" and so "we are called to bring Christ's peace to the world." Quoting St. Augustine, the prelate underscored that "peace is not a mere absence of war, as it has a profound significance and challenges all of us."
He ended his homily with the hope that "peace may reign in Haiti forever."
New embassy inaugurated near the Vatican walls
On Sunday, May 10, the prime minister and Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs Minister Raina Forbin inaugurated the new seat of the embassy of Haiti to the Holy See, located just off the Vatican walls.
"It is not just a simple change of address," said the embassy's chargé d'affaires, Marie Guerline Janvier, adding that it shows "a political will to strengthen traditional and privileged relations with the Holy See."
In this way, Haiti hopes to increase its visibility at the Holy See and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
