By Rhonda Spears
June 7, 2004

Conference President Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner and Conference Executive Director Tom Cochran recently visited the Vatican to report to His Holiness Pope John Paul II and His Eminence Cardinal Francis Arinze on the Conference of Mayors four-nation mission to Africa last year.

Speaking of his meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Arinze at the Vatican on May 18, Garner said, "Our visit with Cardinal Arinze was extremely productive. We discussed our Mission to Africa and thanked him for the tremendous role the Catholic Church has played in helping those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the nations of Africa. He was pleased to hear that we had met with 40 African mayors during our mission last summer; and was especially touched since he is originally from Nigeria," Garner said.

"I also expressed to Cardinal Arinze that The United States Conference of Mayors wants to work with the Vatican to further address the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the continent," Garner concluded.

The following day, May 19, Garner personally greeted His Holiness Pope John Paul II during the General Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"It was great to speak with the Holy Father. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to tell him about The United States Conference of mayors' Mission to Africa and the pain and suffering we witnessed as a result of the number of people in Africa living with HIV/AIDS," Garner said. "Furthermore, today's occasion was special because it was also a celebration of the Holy Father's birthday. Meeting someone of his stature was very meaningful to me. This is an experience I will never forget."

The Conference of Mayors Mission to Africa was the largest mission undertaken in the history of the organization and it allowed USA mayors to share their experiences with African mayors and build collaborative partnerships between U.S. cities and African cities in response to the devastating impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa. The Conference of Mayors delegation traveled to four African nations: South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Uganda.

While in Windhoek, Namibia African mayors along with USA mayors agreed that Garner should officially thank the Vatican and representatives of the Catholic Church for the tremendous help it has given to the people who have suffered as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

"As the AIDS pandemic continues to devastate nations of Africa, our goal is to further sustainable efforts in sharing and learning this issue between U.S. mayors and African mayors. We came to the Vatican to convey our commitment to this cause and our partnership with African mayors," Garner said.

Garner and Cochran also met with U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Jim Nicholson on May 18 to discuss the issue of HIV/AIDS and cooperative efforts between the United States and the Vatican.