The African Great Lakes nation of 12.2 million (map) is 65% Catholic, 29% Protestant, 4% ethnic religionist, and 2% Muslim.

“Burundi is a country with a very painful history, littered with massacres, killings, social conflicts and violence, of which the people truly tired,” said President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who has led the nation since 2020.

Pope Francis “was particularly pleased with the reconciliation efforts underway among the Burundian people,” Vatican News reported.