Ghana strengthens Vatican ties as Ambassador Assorow meets Pope Leo XIV
Ghana’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Sir Ben Batabe Assorow, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marking a renewed commitment to the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the Catholic Church.
The ceremony, held at the Apostolic Palace in Rome, was followed by a private discussion between the Pontiff and the Ambassador in the Holy Father’s Library.
Pope Leo XIV welcomed the new envoy and praised the enduring and mutually respectful ties between Ghana and the Holy See, describing them as strong, time-tested and rooted in shared dedication to human dignity.
The Pope reaffirmed the Church’s mission of contributing to the spiritual and human development of societies, noting that its work was not aimed at conversion but at serving humanity through education, health care, social welfare services and the promotion of justice, peace and solidarity.
He emphasised the urgency of global peace and repeated the Church’s determination to stand with the poor, the vulnerable and those affected by violence and injustice.
Pope Leo XIV also applauded the longstanding partnership between the State and the Catholic Church in Ghana, particularly in sectors such as schooling, medical care, agriculture and broader socio-economic development.
He encouraged Ghanaian authorities and the Church to further strengthen their already productive collaboration.
During the meeting, Ambassador Assorow highlighted an appeal submitted on behalf of the President of Ghana regarding a potential Papal Visit. He briefed the Holy Father on two upcoming national events the 70th Anniversary of Ghana’s Independence in 2027 and the 150th Anniversary of the Catholic Church’s establishment in Ghana in 2030.
Pope Leo XIV expressed interest in visiting Ghana and stated that the President of Ghana would be warmly welcomed at the Vatican at any time.
The Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President, Government and people of Ghana. He acknowledged the solid diplomatic ties that began in 1975 and noted that relations were significantly boosted in 2013 when Ghana appointed its first Resident Ambassador to the Holy See.
Sir Assorow highlighted the Catholic Church’s continuous role in Ghana’s development agenda, particularly through schools, hospitals and community programmes spread across the country. He also briefed the Pope on the Government of Ghana’s Reset Agenda. This includes the 24-hour economy initiative, intensified efforts against illegal mining, and an anti-corruption campaign all aimed at transforming socio-economic conditions and improving livelihoods.
He recalled the historic Papal visit by Saint John Paul II to Ghana in 1980 during the centenary celebration of the Catholic Church’s formal establishment in the country, noting that another visit from the current Pontiff would be a profound blessing for the nation, especially as Ghana approaches key anniversaries in 2027 and 2030.
The Ambassador further noted that the President of Ghana was eager to undertake an official visit to the Vatican in the coming year, and indicated that Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah, would soon begin formal discussions with the Vatican’s Secretariat of State on arrangements for both the presidential visit and the potential Papal trip to Ghana.
He expressed gratitude to the Holy Father for his moral leadership and referenced the Pope’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), commending his advocacy for the poor and his defense of human dignity. The Ambassador assured Pope Leo XIV of Ghana’s readiness to deepen cooperation aimed at advancing peace, justice and human-centered development.
Sir Ben Batabe Assorow was accompanied by his wife Josephine Assorow, his daughter Elizabeth Assorow, senior officials of the Mission including Minister/Deputy Head of Mission Julia Boatema Gyedu Acolatse, First Secretary Selorm Mansah Mensah, First Secretary Naomi Ashong Mensah, Second Secretary Paulina Yaa Kusi and Third Secretary Savelyn Mawuena Galley. Members of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy, the family of Sir Ralph Nwosu and staff from the Ambassador’s residence were also present.
At the conclusion of the audience, Ambassador Assorow requested a special Apostolic Blessing for himself and the Republic of Ghana. Pope Leo XIV graciously bestowed the blessing on the Ambassador, his delegation, the President, the Government and the entire Ghanaian population.
