Dr. François-Xavier Ngarambe formally presented his credentials to the Pope on Friday as Rwanda's Ambassador to the Holy See, resident in Geneva.

During the ceremony which took place at the Vatican in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace along with twelve other Ambassadors, Pope Francis welcomed the new envoys saying: "I warmly welcome you and hope that every time you enter this house that you feel at home”.

"I extend our welcome and respect for you and for your peoples and the heads of your governments. I greet you and wish your work to be fruitful, to be fertile.”

Dr. Ngarambe is also Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva as well as Ambassador to Switzerland.

"The work of an Ambassador lies in small steps, small things, but they always end up making peace, bringing closer the hearts of people, sowing brotherhood among peoples. This is your job, but with little things, tiny things,” said the Pope.

"Today we are all happy because we have seen how two peoples (US and Cuba), distanced for so many years, made a step nearer one another. That was brought about by ambassadors, by diplomacy. Your job is noble work, very noble. I wish it to be fruitful, fertile, and may God bless you”.

 The presentation of credentials coincides with celebration today marking the 50th anniversary of fruitful and vibrant diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Rwanda.