The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference issued a statement urging calm, restraint and patience during what they called “most delicate times.”

After arriving, Alo faced the same challenges that confront many refugees: separation from family, poor command of English, adjustments to an unfamiliar culture, and no knowledge of how to navigate life in a new country.

the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference also thanked 93-year-old Mugabe for "the good work he did for Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle" against white rule and as president.

"We know that it is the biggest support they can get, the involvement of the church and Pope Francis."

On university campuses in Nigeria, the competition for souls can be fierce.

Mugabe's policies are widely blamed for Zimbabwe's economic decline over the past two decades. Millions of economic refugees have left the country, with most going to South Africa.