Zimbabwean-Born Dr Vee Kativhu Makes History as MC at Pope Leo XIV's UNESCO Visit

Zimbabwean-born education advocate Dr Vee Kativhu made history on Friday by serving as the Master of Ceremonies during Pope Leo XIV’s official visit to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

The historic event took place as part of the Pope’s apostolic journey to France. His visit to UNESCO was at the invitation of the organisation’s Director-General, Khaled El-Enany. UNESCO confirmed Dr Kativhu’s role as Master of Ceremonies for the official programme.

Dr Varaidzo Felistas Kativhu (Dr Vee)had earlier shared the news on her Instagram account, writing:

“From NEW YORK to PARIS,from UN to UNESCO in just 24 hours for a major moment.

"I am extremely HONOURED to share that tommorrow I will serve as the Master of Ceremony for the Official Visit of his Holiness Pope Leo XIV to UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

"This historic ceremony, "Human dignity,peace and dialogue in the age of AI,"brings together faith,culture and global leadership at a pivotal moment"reads part of the post.

Her announcement was met with congratulatory messages from many of her followers and admirers.

Dr Kativhu is a celebrated academic and education advocate who moved from Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom at a young age. She overcame significant structural disadvantages to secure a place at the University of Oxford, where she became the first Black woman to graduate from Lady Margaret Hall’s Foundation Year programme before earning an undergraduate degree in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.

She has served as a United Nations Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals, worked as a youth adviser to UNICEF and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV delivered a solemn address on artificial intelligence, youth, peace and interreligious dialogue before members of the international community and the UNESCO family. The visit marked the first papal visit to UNESCO in more than 40 years, following Pope John Paul II’s historic address at the organisation’s headquarters in 1980.