Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia paid a working visit to the Vatican on Wednesday, where he had the honor of meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church.
The Muslim “landmark” visit on Wednesday reinforced Ghana’s long-standing relationship with the Holy See and the global influence of the Catholic Church, describing it as “honour and privilege”
“I paid a working visit to the Vatican today and had the honour and privilege to meet with His Holiness Pope Francis,” he said.
“This landmark meeting afforded me the opportunity to discuss many national and global issues with Pope Francis and to strengthen Ghana’s longstanding relationship with the Vatican State and the Pope.”
The Vice President added that during his Vatican visit, he also met with the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, His Excellency Paul Richard Gallagher. Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, a Ghanaian prelate, was present to show Bawumia around the Vatican grounds.
“Pope Francis prayed for Ghana and her leaders,” Bawumia stated regarding his audience with the Pontiff.”
Meanwhile, Bawumia’s campaign social media page “Bawumia News” added in a string of tweets, “Heartwarming to receive blessings and prayers from Pope Francis for Ghana and its leaders. This visit reinforces the importance of faith and unity in guiding our nation forward.”
“Such an incredible honor to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. Strengthening ties between Ghana and the Vatican is a testament to our commitment to global unity and cooperation,” another Bawumia News tweet stated.
Bawumia, who is vying for the presidency on the ticket of the ruling NPP party in the December 2024 election, did not provide specific details about the national and global issues discussed with the Pope. However, the meeting came amid economic challenges, security concerns and climate change impacts affecting Ghana and the African region.
As a Muslim leader in the largely Christian-majority nation, Bawumia’s visit signaled an intent to further deepen Ghana’s longstanding partnership and cooperation with the Vatican across faith lines.
The vice president’s audience with Pope Francis comes as a significant diplomatic and interreligious moment ahead of his presidential campaign.
