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Ablakwa Honored at Historic Vatican Inauguration

Ablakwa Represents Ghana at Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration in Vatican

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, attended the formal inauguration Mass of newly elected Pope Leo XIV on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the historic ceremony was held in Vatican City’s famous Saint Peter’s Square, garnering international attention and attendance from dignitaries, leaders, and officials from a number of nations.

Ablakwa wrote on social media that he was deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend the ceremony on President Mahama’s behalf. He highlighted the unique pleasure of seeing the start of a new papal period by describing his experience as profoundly humbling and spiritually significant.

Ablakwa described the blessings and warmth bestowed by Holy Father Pope Leo XIV during the ceremony as a “profound honour” and said they were deeply touching. In addition to strengthening Ghana’s diplomatic ties with the Vatican, his attendance at such a significant event demonstrated Ghana’s regard and acknowledgement of international religious organisations.

Pope Leo XIV, who was recently elected to the top position in the Roman Catholic Church, officially began his pontificate with the inaugural Mass. Leaders from various groups, countries, and religions came together for the celebration, and they all expressed support and prayed for the new spiritual leader’s future work.

It is believed that Ablakwa’s presence at the Vatican is an extension of Ghana’s longstanding close diplomatic and religious ties with the Holy See. The administration underlined its dedication to upholding cordial ties with other countries and advancing world peace, tolerance, and solidarity. Ghana is among the numerous countries hoping that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate will foster compassion, justice, and a revitalised sense of purpose in tackling the world’s problems.

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