In a significant diplomatic event, Ghana's Ambassador to the Holy See, Ben Batabe Assorow, presented his Letters of Credence to Pope Leo XIV. This formal ceremony marked the beginning of a private meeting between the Ambassador and the Pope, held at the Holy Father's Library. During this meeting, Pope Leo XIV praised the enduring relationship between Ghana and the Holy See, emphasizing the Church's commitment to the spiritual and human development of all people, regardless of their religious background. He highlighted the Catholic Church's focus on promoting welfare, dignity, and integral development through education, healthcare, social outreach, and advocacy for justice and peace.
The Pope also addressed the urgent need for global peace and the Church's dedication to supporting the poor, marginalized, and those affected by conflict and injustice. He expressed joy over the successful collaboration between Ghana's state and the Catholic Church in various sectors, particularly education, health, agriculture, and socio-economic development. The Pope was informed about a presidential appeal for a Papal Visit to Ghana, marking the 70th anniversary of Ghana's Independence in 2027 and the 150th anniversary of the Catholic Church's establishment in Ghana in 2030.
In response, Pope Leo XIV expressed his enthusiasm for visiting Ghana and welcomed the President's invitation to the Vatican. Ambassador Assorow conveyed the fraternal greetings and best wishes of the President, Government, and people of Ghana to Pope Leo XIV. He acknowledged the strong diplomatic ties between Ghana and the Holy See, which have endured since 1975, and further strengthened by the appointment of a Resident Ambassador in 2013.
The Ambassador also highlighted the Catholic Church's role in Ghana's development and expressed gratitude for the Holy Father's ongoing support in education, health, and other sectors. He briefed the Pope about Ghana's Reset Agenda, including initiatives to improve living conditions and combat illegal mining and corruption. Ambassador Assorow emphasized the importance of these efforts in benefiting the Ghanaian population.
Recalling the historic visit of Saint John Paul II in 1980, the Ambassador expressed hope for a future visit by Pope Leo XIV, which would be a blessing for Ghana and the region. He also extended an invitation for the Pope to visit the Vatican in the upcoming year, with the Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah, to discuss the visit's details.
Ambassador Assorow expressed gratitude for Pope Leo XIV's moral leadership and thanked him for advocating for the voiceless and defending human dignity. He assured the Holy Father of his commitment to strengthening the relationship between Ghana and the Holy See, promoting peace, justice, and human development. The Ambassador concluded the meeting by requesting the Apostolic Blessing of the Holy Father for himself and the Republic of Ghana, which was graciously granted by Pope Leo XIV.
