President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent trip to the Vatican for meetings with Pope Francis has stirred a fierce online debate after images surfaced showing Attorney General Virginia Mabiza among the delegation.
Mabiza, who was photographed at the window of the Apostolic Palace – the same spot from which the Pope traditionally delivers his Sunday Angelus address – has become the subject of speculation on social media, with some critics suggesting her closeness to the president goes beyond professional duties.
The online backlash grew so intense that the Attorney General’s office took the unusual step of releasing a lengthy statement defending her inclusion on the trip.
“The recent visit of the Attorney-General of Zimbabwe to the Vatican, alongside the president, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s diplomatic and international relations,” the statement read. Mabiza’s presence as part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to dialogue on global issues “ranging from justice and governance to humanitarian and spiritual matters.”
The statement further described her involvement as evidence of Zimbabwe’s “dedication to upholding the rule of law and promoting ethical leadership,” arguing that her participation symbolised a fusion of legal expertise and moral guidance in international diplomacy.
Government spokesman Ndavaningi Mangwana also weighed in, insisting that Mabiza’s role was not ceremonial.
“As the government’s chief legal adviser, the Attorney General’s role in state-to-state negotiations and interactions with legal implications is crucial,” he said.
Mangwana noted that the Vatican discussions touched on the abolition of the death penalty – a reform in which Mabiza played a key role – making her participation both relevant and necessary.
He also pointed out that Mabiza is a practising Catholic, a factor which, he suggested, added depth to her engagement with the Vatican.
Despite these explanations, the government faces an uphill battle convincing some Zimbabweans, many of whom continue to question why the Attorney General – who is not a minister responsible for foreign affairs – was included in the president’s high-profile audience with the Pope.
