Ambassador Rwakazina is Rwanda’s ambassador to the Holy See with residence in Geneva, Switzerland. She also represents Rwanda to the United Nations and various organizations.

During the ceremony, other ambassadors from nine countries including Denmark, Estonia, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mauritania, Uzbekistan and Zambia also presented letters of credence to represent their countries.

After presenting credential letters to Pope Francis, Amb. Rwakazina held bilateral talks known as ‘Concordat’ with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin which focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and the Holy See.

A concordat is a convention between the Holy See and a sovereign state that defines the relationship between the Catholic Church and the state in matters that concern both the recognition and privileges of the Catholic Church in a particular country and with secular matters that impact on church interests.

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Holy See were established 56 years ago but were profoundly affected with involvement of members of the Catholic Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwakazina’s presentation of credentials comes only a week after Cardinal Antoine Kambanda was installed cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory held on 28th November 2020.

Rwanda’s ambassador in Geneva, Switzerland, Marie Chantal Rwakazina presenting credential letters to His Holiness Pope Francis as Rwanda's ambassador accredited to Vatican.