Ramaphosa discusses peace building with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has met His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, in Rome, where he called for a renewed global spirit of solidarity, equality and justice in the face of rising conflict, deepening inequality and environmental crisis.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

THE Presidency said the meeting between President Ramaphosa and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was of particular significance as it represented South Africa's first high-level engagement with the newly appointed pontiff. | The Presidency

(The Presidency)

Ramaphosa was in Rome on Friday for a working visit to the Holy See, accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa.

It was South Africa’s first high-level engagement with Pope Leo XIV, who was appointed Pontiff in May following the passing of Pope Francis.

According to the Presidency, the visit serves to strengthen cooperation between South Africa and the Holy See in areas such as humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response and peace building.

The Holy See has diplomatic ties with over 180 countries and observer status at major international bodies like the UN, and holds significant global influence through its moral, religious and diplomatic authority.

During his address to Pope Leo XIV, Ramaphosa thanked the pontiff for his warm welcome to the “Eternal City and the heart of the Catholic faith’, and conveyed the good wishes of the government and people of South Africa.