His Holiness Pope Francis receives President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in audience at the Vatican
His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has, on today, Friday, October 18th, met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. The Liberian Leader was accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Counselor J. Fonati Koffa, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah and Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah.
The Liberian leader also met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness, and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
The discussions focused on collaboration between the Catholic Church and Liberia in the fields of healthcare, education and socioeconomic development. The leaders also exchanged thoughts on global issues including the migration crisis, geopolitics, unemployment, political accountability, democratic governance and the promotion of peace and security.
The Vatican leaders were full of praises for Liberia. They described the country as a model for democracy in the subregion, based on Liberia’s conduct of four consecutive democratic elections which were generally free, fair, peaceful and transparent. They also noted Liberia’s peaceful and orderly transfer of political power in 2018 and 2024.
President Boakai then extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Francis to visit Liberia; a request the Pope promised to give attention to contingent on good health and schedule availability.
The Pope presented to President Boakai a bronze image depicting a dove carrying an olive branch, with the inscription in Italian, “Siate Messageri di pace” which translates in English as “Be Messengers of Peace.” The Pope also gave President Boakai a copy of this year’s message of peace and a set of papal documents.
The Roman Catholic leader prayed for and blessed the Liberian leader and members of the delegation whom the Pope also offered Holy Rosaries as gifts. He also prayed for Liberia and its citizens.
The Liberian leader and his delegation were taken on a guided tour of the Vatican and the St. Peter’s Basilica. President Boakai thanked the Pope for the audience granted him and the Liberian delegation and expressed the hope that the good relations between Liberia and the Vatican will reach new heights.
