Ghana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See, Sir Ben Batabe Assorow, has officially presented his Letters of Credence to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, marking a renewed chapter in the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Vatican.
The ceremony, held at the Apostolic Palace on Thursday, was followed by a private meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Ambassador Assorow at the Holy Father’s Library. During the discussions, Pope Leo XIV praised the “excellent and time-tested relations” between Ghana and the Holy See and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to human development without discrimination.
The Pope emphasized that the Church’s mission is not to proselytise but to uphold human dignity through education, healthcare, social outreach, and advocacy for justice and peace. He also highlighted the Church’s continued support for the poor, the marginalized, and communities affected by conflict worldwide.
Pope Leo XIV expressed delight at the strong collaboration between the Catholic Church and the Ghanaian state—particularly in education, health, agriculture, and socio-economic development—and encouraged the deepening of these partnerships.
The Holy Father also welcomed information on two upcoming milestones in Ghana: the 70th Anniversary of Ghana’s Independence in 2027 and the 150th Anniversary of the Catholic Church’s establishment in Ghana in 2030. Responding to an appeal from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for a papal visit, the Pope said he looked forward to visiting Ghana, adding that the Ghanaian President would be warmly received at the Vatican.
Ambassador Assorow conveyed the greetings of the President, Government, and people of Ghana and underscored the deep diplomatic ties that have existed since 1975. He noted that the relationship was further elevated with the appointment of a resident ambassador in 2013.
The Ambassador thanked the Holy Father for the Church’s immense contribution to Ghana’s development, especially in education and health. He also briefed the Pope on Ghana’s Reset Agenda, including the 24-hour economic programme, efforts to curb illegal mining, and the government’s anti-corruption initiatives, all aimed at improving living conditions and providing relief to citizens.
Reflecting on historical milestones, Ambassador Assorow recalled the 1980 visit of Saint John Paul II to Ghana and expressed hope that a future visit by Pope Leo XIV—whether before or during the 2027 and 2030 commemorations—would be a great blessing to Ghana and the sub-region.
Ambassador Assorow also conveyed the President’s interest in visiting the Vatican next year and indicated that Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, would engage the Secretariat of State to formalise arrangements for both the presidential visit and a potential papal trip to Ghana.
He further thanked Pope Leo XIV for his moral leadership, referencing the Holy Father’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), and pledged to work closely with the Vatican to strengthen cooperation in promoting peace, justice, and human development.
At the close of the audience, Ambassador Assorow requested a special Apostolic Blessing for himself and the people of Ghana. Pope Leo XIV imparted the blessing to the Ambassador, his delegation, and—by extension—to the President and all Ghanaians.
Ambassador Assorow was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Josephine Assorow; his daughter, Ms. Elizabeth Assorow; members of the Ghanaian Mission; representatives of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy; and other invited guests.
