The government of Ghana has welcomed an apology by Pope Leo XIV over the historical role played by the Holy See in the transatlantic slave trade.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana described the Pope’s remarks as “an act of moral courage” and a significant contribution to the global pursuit of historical truth, justice and human dignity.
The statement said the apology acknowledged the role played by the Catholic Church in “legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade”.
According to the government, the acknowledgment comes at a crucial moment as the international community reflects more deeply on the long-term impact of slavery and colonialism.
President John Dramani Mahama said confronting historical injustices required “truth-telling and moral responsibility” as foundations for reconciliation and justice.
The government noted that millions of Africans and people of African descent suffered centuries of enslavement and dehumanisation under systems whose effects continue to shape societies around the world.
It also referenced the recent adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as among the gravest crimes against humanity.
According to the statement, discussions leading to the adoption of the resolution included debates over the historical role of the Church and references to papal decrees linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
Against that background, Ghana described Pope Leo XIV’s apology as “particularly significant and refreshing”.
The government said Ghana remained committed to working with international partners, faith groups and civil society organisations to promote historical justice, remembrance and the restoration of human dignity.
It also announced plans to host a high-level international consultative conference in Accra from 17 to 19 June 2026 to discuss the next steps following the adoption of the UN resolution.
The conference, which will be convened by President Mahama, is expected to focus on sustaining global dialogue on historical justice, remembrance and equality for Africans and people of African descent.
Ghana further expressed hope that countries which did not support the UN resolution would eventually align themselves with its objectives.
President Mahama, through the statement, thanked Pope Leo XIV for what he described as a significant step towards healing and reconciliation and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to continued global engagement on historical justice and humanity.
