Pope Leo XIV Receives Ghana’s New Ambassador, Sir Ben Assorow, at the Vatican
By: Iddrissu Jara
Ghana’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Holy See, H.E. Sir Ben Batabe Assorow, has officially presented his Letters of Credence to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The presentation ceremony was followed by a private meeting between the Holy Father and Ambassador Assorow at the Apostolic Palace, where both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and fruitful relations between Ghana and the Holy See.
During the meeting, Pope Leo XIV praised the “excellent and time-tested” diplomatic ties between the two states and emphasized the Church’s unwavering commitment to the spiritual and human development of people of all backgrounds. He noted that the Church seeks not to proselytise but to promote human dignity through education, healthcare, social outreach, justice and peace.
The Pope also highlighted the urgent need for global peace and reiterated the Church’s closeness to the poor, the marginalised and victims of conflict and injustice. He expressed delight at Ghana’s strong partnership with the Catholic Church in key sectors including education, health, agriculture and socio-economic development.
The Holy Father warmly welcomed news of two major commemorations in Ghana – the 70th Anniversary of Independence in 2027 and the 150th Anniversary of the Catholic Church’s establishment in 2030. Responding to an invitation conveyed on behalf of the President of Ghana, the Pope said he looked forward to the prospect of paying a Papal Visit to Ghana, adding that Ghana’s President would also be warmly received at the Vatican.
On his part, Ambassador Assorow conveyed the fraternal greetings of the President, Government and people of Ghana, acknowledging the five decades of solid relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1975. He noted that relations were further strengthened in 2013 when Ghana appointed its first Resident Ambassador to the Holy See.
Ambassador Assorow commended the Catholic Church’s immense contributions to Ghana’s national development and briefed the Pope on major government initiatives under the Reset Agenda, including the 24-hour economy programme, efforts to curb illegal mining and a stronger anti-corruption drive. He said these interventions are aimed at improving the living conditions of Ghanaians and providing meaningful relief.
Reflecting on historical milestones, he recalled Saint John Paul II’s 1980 visit to Ghana and expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV’s future visit – possibly aligned with the 2027 or 2030 celebrations – would bring renewed blessings to the country and the region.
Ambassador Assorow further informed the Holy Father of the President’s intention to visit the Vatican next year. He disclosed that Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah, will engage the Vatican Secretariat of State to finalize discussions on both the presidential visit and a potential Papal visit to Ghana.
Expressing gratitude for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, especially articulated in the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), the ambassador thanked him for his advocacy for human dignity and the marginalized. He assured the Pope of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting peace, justice and human development.
At the end of the audience, Ambassador Assorow received a special Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father for himself, his delegation and by extension, the President, Government and people of Ghana.
The ambassador was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Josephine Assorow; his daughter, Ms Elizabeth Assorow; senior officials of the Ghana Mission in Rome; representatives of the Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy; the family of Sir Ralph Nwosu and staff of the Ambassador’s residence.