The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, represented President John Mahama and Ghana at the historic inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The ceremony, which took place at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, drew attendance from more than 100 country delegations to witness the formal beginning of a new papacy.
Mr Ablakwa stood as Ghana’s voice at a moment of profound spiritual and international significance.
After the event, he said it was “a profound honour to represent President John Mahama and Ghana at the inauguration mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV”.
“I am eternally grateful for the Supreme Pontiff’s blessings and warmth,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The minister also conveyed warm greetings and well wishes from President Mahama to the Pope, and reaffirmed Ghana’s status as a nation rooted in diplomacy, peace and interfaith respect.
He also reassured the Pope that Ghana remained committed to the universal values that Pope Leo XIV highlighted in his homily: solidarity, compassion and the fight against marginalisation and environmental degradation.
International dignitaries, faith leaders
The Mass drew political and religious leaders from around the globe. More than 100 country delegations attended.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, were among the heads of state present, alongside dignitaries such as Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, and Gabon’s President, Brice Oligui Nguema.
The United States sent Vice-President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as its official observers.
Ecumenical and interfaith guests joined hundreds of bishops, cardinals and clerics in the ceremony, underscoring the event’s global significance.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other senior prelates also took part in the liturgy.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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