Ghana has deepened its long-standing diplomatic and ecclesial ties with the Vatican as Sir Ben Batabe Assorow, Ghana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See, presented his Letters of Credence to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The ceremony took place at the Apostolic Palace, after which Ambassador Assorow held a private audience with the Holy Father at the Papal Library. Their discussions highlighted the historic bond between Ghana and the Catholic Church, the shared commitment to human development, and expectations for future high-level visits.
During the audience, Pope Leo XIV lauded the excellent and time-tested relations between Ghana and the Holy See, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and holistic development of all people, regardless of religious affiliation.
The Holy Father stressed that the Church’s mission is not proselytism, but service—through education, healthcare, social support, and advocacy for justice and peace. He reiterated the Church’s unwavering closeness to the poor, vulnerable, and those affected by conflict and injustice.
Pope Leo XIV welcomed Ghana’s upcoming national and ecclesial anniversaries, the 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027 and the 150th Anniversary of the Catholic Church’s establishment in 2030, and expressed optimism about visiting Ghana in the future. He also indicated that Ghana’s President would be warmly welcomed at the Vatican.
Conveying greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, Ambassador Assorow reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations since the establishment of official diplomatic ties in 1975 and the appointment of Ghana’s first resident Ambassador to the Holy See in 2013.
He thanked the Catholic Church for its extensive contributions to education, healthcare, agriculture, and socio-economic development across Ghana.
Ambassador Assorow briefed the Holy Father on President Mahama’s Reset Agenda, including: A 24-Hour Economic Programme, an intensified fight against illegal mining (galamsey), and a robust anti-corruption campaign
He emphasized that these reforms are designed to improve living conditions and bring meaningful relief to Ghanaians.
He also recalled the historic visit of Saint John Paul II to Ghana in May 1980, expressing hope that a future Papal Visit, before or during the 2027 or 2030 celebrations, would bring spiritual blessings to the nation and the West African sub-region.
Ambassador Assorow informed Pope Leo XIV that President Mahama hopes to visit the Vatican next year. He added that Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, will soon engage the Secretariat of State to advance discussions on both the presidential visit and a potential future Papal Visit to Ghana.
At the conclusion of the audience, Ambassador Assorow requested a special Apostolic Blessing for himself and the nation. Pope Leo XIV graciously imparted his blessing upon the Ambassador, his delegation, and by extension, the President, the Government, and the people of Ghana.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Josephine Assorow, his daughter, Ms. Elizabeth Assorow, senior mission staff, members of the Ghana Catholic Community in Italy, and family representatives.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
