The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of of Ghana to the Holy See [Rome], Sir Ben Batabe Assorow has presented his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

Shortly after the presentation, Pope Leo XIV and Ambassador Assorow held a private meeting at the Holy Father’s Library. 

During the meeting, the Pope among other issues, extolled the excellent and time-tested relations that exist between Ghana and the Holy See and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to the spiritual and human development of all people, irrespective of religious background. 

He stressed that the Catholic Church did not seek to proselytise but rather to promote the welfare, dignity and integral development of every human person through education, health care, social outreach and advocacy for justice and peace.

Pope Leo XIV underscored the urgent need for peace in the world and reiterated the Church’s desire to remain close to the poor, the marginalised and those affected by conflict and injustice. 

He expressed his joy at the deep collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in Ghana, particularly in the areas of education, health, agriculture and socio-economic development, and encouraged the continuation of that fruitful partnership.

The Pope was briefed on an appeal conveyed on behalf of the President of Ghana for a Papal Visit to Ghana and two major upcoming events in Ghana – the 70th Anniversary of Ghana’s Independence on March 6, 2027, and the 150th Anniversary of the first establishment of the Catholic Church in Ghana in 2030. 

In response to the appeal, Pope Leo XIV indicated that he was looking forward to visiting Ghana and affirmed that the President of Ghana would be most welcome at the Vatican.

Ambassador Assorow, for his part, conveyed on behalf of the President, Government and people of Ghana, fraternal greetings and best wishes to Pope Leo XIV. 

He acknowledged the strong bonds that existed between Ghana and the Holy See, which spanned five decades since the establishment of official diplomatic relations in 1975 and noted that those ties were further strengthened when Ghana officially appointed a Resident Ambassador to the Holy See in 2013.

He recounted the partnering role the Catholic Church played in the development of Ghana and thanked the Holy Father for the continued support for Ghana’s development in the areas of education, health, etc. throughout the country. 

He briefed the Holy Father on the Government of Ghana’s Reset Agenda which included a 24-hour economy programme, the determined fight against illegal mining which had caused environmental degradation, and a robust anti-corruption campaign. 

Ambassador Assorow added that those initiatives were intended to improve the living conditions of all Ghanaians and to bring tangible relief to the population.

Touching on national and ecclesial milestones, the Ambassador recalled the historic visit of Saint John Paul II to Ghana in May 1980 for the centenary celebrations of the formal establishment of the Catholic Church in Ghana. 

He expressed the hope that a future visit by Pope Leo XIV, whether before or during the 2027 and 2030 commemorations, would be a great blessing for Ghana and the wider region.

Ambassador Assorow further informed the Holy Father that the President of Ghana would welcome an opportunity to pay a visit to the Vatican, hopefully in the course of next year, and indicated that Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah would in due course, formally engage the Secretariat of State on the modalities for the proposed presidential visit and a possible future Papal Visit to Ghana.

He expressed his appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for his clear and strong moral leadership, particularly as articulated in his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), and thanked him for being a voice for the voiceless and a steadfast defender of human dignity. 

Ambassador Assorow assured the Holy Father that he would work closely with the Holy See to further deepen the cordial relations that exist between Ghana and the Holy See and to promote peace, justice and human development. He also thanked the Holy Father for the audience granted him and for the assurances of support during his tour of duty.

At the end of the audience, Ambassador Assorow requested the special Apostolic Blessing of the Holy Father on himself and on the Republic of Ghana. 

Pope Leo XIV graciously imparted his Apostolic Blessing on himself and his delegation and by extension to the President, the Government and people of Ghana.

Ambassador Assorow was accompanied by Josephine Assorow, his spouse; Elizabeth Assorow, his daughter; Julia Boatema Gyedu Acolatse, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission; Selorm Mansah Mensah, First Secretary/Consular; Naomi Ashong Mensah, First Secretary/Accounts; Paulina Yaa Kusi, Second Secretary/Accounts; Savelyn Mawuena Galley, Third Secretary/Administration; Representatives of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy; the family of Sir Ralph Nwosu and the domestic staff of the Ambassador’s residence.