From Power to Prayer: Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s Steadfast Journey to Roman Catholicism
3 February 2025
Spread the love

By Shelton Muchena, United Kingdom

Zimbabwe’s political landscape is currently in muddy waters with the country’s two most powerful men determined to out witty each other.

The other one has taken his farm as an area where political missiles are strategically launched towards his deputy, while the latter has gone in to the synagogue to also launch his arrows, albeit from the spiritual standpoint.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s profound spiritual journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith. A powerful military leader and then a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape, Chiwenga found solace and purpose in an unlikely place: the Roman Catholic Church and his party.

Chiwenga’s entry into politics was not driven by faith but by duty. As the head of Zimbabwe’s military, he played a key role in the political coup that led to the ouster of former president Robert Mugabe in late 2017. Amidst the country’s political strife and problems, he felt empty inside, cut off from the spiritual guidance he had known since childhood.

“I often wondered deeply about purpose and morality,” Chiwenga says. “In the midst of political turmoil, I searched for something deeper – something lasting.”

Building on the teachings of his youth, he returned to the Roman Catholic faith that had shaped his early life. He began attending Mass regularly, which eventually led him to join the Roman Catholic Church, a group focused on community development, service, and spiritual growth.

The Roman Catholic Church became a sanctuary for Chiwenga, providing him not only with spiritual nourishment but also with a platform for action outside of politics. It was in this organisation that he found a diverse group of people united in faith and committed to apostolic service in the church and the wider community.

He said, “The organisation taught me the importance of humility and service. “In politics, we often focus on power and authority, but in leadership, I learned that true leadership comes from serving others and spreading love,” he said.

Through active participation in various programs, Chiwenga began to understand the role of faith in solving social problems. From health campaigns to educational programs, the party’s work resonated with his desire to contribute positively to society. He recalled the efforts made to help vulnerable children and families. His experiences touched his heart and increased his desire to serve people beyond politics. Chiwenga’s entry into the Roman Catholic party not only strengthened his faith but also changed his perspective on leadership. Describe a time of reflection during organisational meetings, which led to communal prayer and written discussions for a culturally responsible future. The change began to permeate political action.

“I now often seek God’s guidance when making decisions,” he says. “It’s not just about leadership; it’s about leading with compassion and integrity, putting the welfare of the people first.”

His story has inspired many of his countrymen, sending a message that faith can be a powerful force for change and unity, even in the midst of the most oppressive power structures. Chiwenga’s journey is an example of how faith and leadership can be combined, emphasising the importance of integrity in public service.

As a member of the Roman Catholic Party, Vice President Chiwenga has played two roles: as a government leader committed to improving the country’s living standards and as a servant of God committed to uplifting the poor. It serves as a reminder that faith is not a private matter but a call to action.

“I believe that leadership is not just about power, but about the love you show to others,” he says. “The organization taught me to lead with my heart, and in doing so, I found my future,” he says.

Through his spiritual journey, Constantino Chiwenga not only rediscovered his faith but also demonstrated his role as an agent of positive change, illuminating the path for others to follow. In a world where politics and power are often divided, his story stands as a beacon of unity, demonstrating the power of faith, work, and community to unite.

Chiwenga, who remains vice president and a committed member of the Roman Catholic Party, remains committed to promoting a culture of compassion and hope in Zimbabwe, demonstrating that the true measure of leadership is not in title but in the love and service he shows to others.