Government has welcomed an apology by Pope Leo XIV acknowledging and taking responsibility for the role played by the Holy See in legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade, calling it an act of moral courage and an important contribution to the global pursuit of historical truth and justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Government said the Pope’s statement comes at a moment when the international community is engaged in deeper reflection on the historical consequences of slavery and colonialism.
The statement noted that during negotiations on United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity, questions around the historical role of the Church, including references to Papal Bulls, generated extensive debate.
Against that background, the statement said the Pope’s willingness to confront those difficult truths openly made his apology all the more significant and refreshing.
President John Dramani Mahama considers the acknowledgment particularly significant, the statement said, adding that confronting historical injustices demands truth-telling and moral responsibility as essential foundations for justice and reconciliation.
As a country whose coastline holds more slave trade forts and castles than any other in the world, Ghana said it remains committed to working with international partners, faith communities, civil society and people of conscience everywhere to advance historical justice, remembrance and the restoration of human dignity.
The statement also drew attention to a High-Level Consultative Conference being convened by President Mahama in Accra from 17th to 19th June 2026, focused on the next steps following the adoption of the UN Resolution and sustaining global engagement on historical justice and human dignity.
Ghana expressed hope that countries which did not support the Resolution would in time align with its objectives and join the broader international community in working toward its implementation.
President Mahama expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for the step taken and said he looks forward to continued global engagement in promoting truth, healing and a shared commitment to humanity.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
