Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, represented President John Dramani Mahama at the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
In a Facebook post, Ablakwa described the opportunity as a “profound honour” and expressed his gratitude for the blessings and warm reception extended by the new Pope.
The Mass marked the formal commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and drew dignitaries from across the globe, underscoring the occasion’s international significance.
Following the ceremony, Ablakwa and Sati Ocran met with Ghana’s own Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson. Ablakwa conveyed President Mahama’s best wishes and praised Cardinal Turkson’s role as Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences.
“Ghana remains immensely proud of Cardinal Turkson’s globally acclaimed accomplishments,” Ablakwa noted, adding his appreciation for the Cardinal’s spiritual guidance.
