Catholic bishops condemn govt over corruption, economic woes

Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have strongly criticised the government for its handling of the country’s political and economic affairs, warning that rampant corruption, deepening poverty, and misplaced political priorities are pushing the nation into crisis.

In a Lenten Pastoral Letter dated March 3, 2025, issued under the theme “…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:19), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) lamented the deteriorating situation in the country, urging national introspection and reform.

This letter comes at a time of growing public frustration over economic hardships and political uncertainty, with civil society groups and opposition leaders also voicing concerns over the government’s direction.

The bishops accused the government of prioritising self-serving political debates, such as the push for a Third Term, over urgent socio-economic issues affecting ordinary Zimbabweans.

“We are all worried about the situation in the country. Politically, instead of focusing on bread-and-butter issues, we are caught up in distractions such as the ‘Third Term’ conversations. Something that has brought with it divisions and unnecessary diversions from the things that do matter,” the bishops stated. 

This comes amid growing speculation that President Emmerson Mnangagwa may be seeking a third term in office, despite the country’s constitution limiting a president to two terms. 

The bishops warned such discussions were fueling divisions and taking focus away from pressing national concerns.

The bishops painted a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s economy, citing rising unemployment, excessive taxation, and an escalating cost of living. 

 They also decried widespread corruption, which they said was going unchecked.

“Economically, we are not faring well. Businesses are closing, and many people are losing their jobs. The few who are still lucky to be working are burdened under the regime of taxes. Corruption is rampant and seems to be out of control,” lamented the church leaders.

“At the rate at which it is taking place, cutting through various sectors, the nation is doomed. One wonders why the corrupt seem uncensured and even rewarded whilst haemorrhaging the nation.”

The bishops condemned the widening gap between the rich and the poor, saying economic policies were benefiting only a few elite individuals while the majority of Zimbabweans struggled to survive.

“We would like to remind our people that, ‘Poverty in the world today is not simply a misfortune, bad luck, or inevitable – the result of laziness or ignorance or a lack of development. Poverty in the world today is the direct result of political and economic policies of governments, political parties, and big business,’” they said, quoting theologian Albert Nolan. 

Highlighting the crippling effect of Zimbabwe’s sovereign debt, the bishops argued that international financial institutions were exploiting developing nations through unjust lending policies

“Our nation, like most developing countries, is burdened under the yoke of sovereign debt. Sadly, international monetary institutions have crafted their policies such that the interest on lending rates for developing countries is so high,” they stated.

“This keeps developing nations in bondage, fans poverty, and holds them in perpetual slavery. We call for a reform of these unjust practices as they speak against development and the hopes of many nations.” 

Echoing the words of Pope John Paul II, the bishops called for decisive action to address the debt crisis, warning that continued economic oppression was undermining the country’s future. The bishops also called for a “metanoia”—a deep transformation of mind, heart, and national governance—to address the country’s systemic problems.

“In the spirit of the Jubilee Year and Lent, we call for a metanoia. A term that is often translated as repentance or conversion, but one that is broader than that, for it means a change of mind, a change of heart, a change of one’s ways and one’s behaviour. The metanoia that can benefit us as a nation is one that begins with and goes beyond individual change to societal change that brings true freedom and shared national progress.” 

They also referenced St. John Paul II’s teachings on social injustice, warning Zimbabwe’s institutions were perpetuating suffering rather than promoting the common good.

“We would like to propose during this Jubilee Year and Lent that we evaluate our institutions vis-à-vis their contributions to the ‘cultures that promote the common good,’” said the church leaders.

In the midst of their criticism, the bishops commended the Zimbabwean government for abolishing the death penalty, calling it “a step in the right direction” that affirmed the value of human life.

“As a Church, we welcome and congratulate the nation for the abolition of the Death Penalty Act. That was a step in the right direction indicating we care about human life and dignity.” 

Despite their strong rebuke of the government, the bishops concluded their letter with a call for hope, urging Zimbabweans to embrace the values of justice, restoration, and national unity. 

“As we celebrate the Jubilee Year and this year’s Lenten season, we pray that we may indeed be pilgrims of hope. May the living out of our jubilee spirituality be an active pilgrimage leading us to a time of renewal, restoration, and indeed a time of hope for all who long for the year of the Lord’s favour,” said the bishops. 

The statement was signed by ZCBC President Bishop Paul Horan, Vice President Archbishop Robert Ndlovu, and other Catholic bishops from across Zimbabwe such as Bishop of Hwange Diocese – Raphael M.M. Ncube, Archbishop of Bulawayo Archdiocese – Alex Thomas, Bishop of Gweru -Rudolf Nyandoro, Bishop of Masvingo Diocese and Administrator of Chinhoyi Diocese – Raymond Mupandasekwa and Bishop of Gokwe Diocese -Eusebius Nyathi.