Pope Leo XIV Hails Ghana’s Diplomatic Commitment

 


Ghana’s diplomatic engagement with the Holy See reached a new height on Thursday, November 13, 2025, when H.E. Sir Ben Batabe Assorow, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Holy See, presented his Letters of Credence to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

A short ceremony for the presentation, was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and warm collaboration, reinforcing the deep, five-decade relationship between Ghana and the Holy See.
During a private meeting at the Holy Father’s Library, Pope Leo XIV praised the longstanding and excellent relations between Ghana and the Vatican, describing them as “time-tested and anchored in shared commitment to human development and peace.” He underscored the Catholic Church’s mission of service, not proselytization, emphasising its dedication to promoting human dignity through education, healthcare, social outreach, and justice.
The Pope reiterated the Church’s resolve to stand with the poor, the marginalised, and victims of conflict, while commending Ghana for its strong tradition of religious tolerance and partnership.
The Holy Father highlighted the vital collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in Ghana, particularly in education, health, agriculture, and socio-economic development. He also expressed delight over Ghana’s upcoming historic milestones – the 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027 and the 150th Anniversary of the Catholic Church’s establishment in Ghana in 2030.
On the appeal from President John Dramani Mahama for a Papal Visit, Pope Leo XIV indicated his willingness and hope to visit Ghana in the future, assuring that the President would likewise be warmly welcomed at the Vatican.
Ambassador Assorow conveyed fraternal greetings from the President, Government, and people of Ghana, reaffirming the deepening of Ghana–Holy See relations, which were formally established in 1975, and further deepened through Ghana’s appointment of a Resident Ambassador in 2013. He acknowledged the Catholic Church’s indispensable role in Ghana’s development and expressed gratitude for its extensive contributions in education, healthcare, and social services.
The Ambassador briefed Pope Leo XIV on the Government’s Reset Agenda, outlining the 24-hour economic programme, intensified anti-galamsey campaign, and robust anti-corruption efforts. These initiatives, he emphasised, are aimed at improving living conditions and restoring hope to Ghanaians. He recalled the historic 1980 visit of Saint John Paul II and expressed profound hope that Pope Leo XIV’s future visit would serve as a spiritual and national blessing.
Sir Assorow informed the Holy Father of President Mahama’s intention to visit the Vatican next year, noting that Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, would soon engage the Secretariat of State to discuss arrangements for both visits. He thanked the Pope for his exemplary moral leadership, especially through his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), and pledged to strengthen Ghana–Vatican cooperation in peace, justice, and human development.
The engagement concluded with Ambassador Assorow requesting a special Apostolic Blessing on Ghana, which Pope Leo XIV graciously imparted to him, his delegation, and by extension, the President and the people of Ghana.
Ambassador Assorow was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Josephine Assorow; his daughter, Ms. Elizabeth Assorow; senior diplomatic staff of the Mission; representatives of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy; and friends of the Mission

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