The federal government described Pope Leo XIV’s latest apology for the Holy See’s position within the transatlantic slave commerce as an vital second in advancing historic justice, fact and reconciliation globally.
In a press release launched by the Presidency on Thursday and signed by authorities spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana stated the papal recognition was an “act of ethical braveness” and represented an vital contribution to the continuing worldwide dialogue on slavery, colonialism and reparative justice.
“The Authorities of the Republic of Ghana warmly welcomes Pope Leo
The presidential workplace stated the apology comes at a vital time when the worldwide neighborhood is grappling with “deep reflection on the historic penalties of slavery and colonialism.”
The assertion emphasised that the results of slavery proceed to form societies all over the world centuries later.
“For 5 centuries, hundreds of thousands of Africans and folks of African descent endured unimaginable struggling and dehumanization by racialized chattel slavery, the results of which proceed to form societies and communities all over the world at present,” the report stated.
The Authorities famous that sincere recognition of the previous stays important for therapeutic and justice.
“Sincere recognition of this painful historical past stays an vital step towards therapeutic, reconciliation, and a extra simply future,” the assertion added.
The Workplace of the President additionally linked the Pope’s remarks to the rising worldwide momentum surrounding historic duty, significantly following the latest adoption of United Nations Common Meeting decision A/RES/80/250.
The decision declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans “probably the most critical crimes towards humanity” and referred to as for a sustained worldwide dialogue on justice, equality and remembrance.
Based on the federal government, the discussions main as much as the adoption of the decision included tough discussions in regards to the historic position of the church and references to papal bulls associated to the slave commerce.
“In opposition to this background, Pope Leo
The presidential workplace stated Ghana stays deeply linked to the legacy of the transatlantic slave commerce, with forts and castles alongside the coast serving as strongholds for enslaved Africans.
He stated the nation will proceed to work with worldwide companions, religion teams, civil society organizations and world stakeholders to advance efforts to revive historic justice and human dignity.
The federal government additionally introduced that Ghana will host a high-level consultative assembly in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026, below the management of President John Mahama.
The convention is anticipated to concentrate on subsequent steps after the adoption of the UN decision and sustaining a world dedication to historic justice and reminiscence.
Based on the assertion, President Mahama thanked Pope Leo XIV for “this vital step” and reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to advancing “fact, therapeutic and a standard dedication to humanity.”
