President Cyril Ramaphosa met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday, marking South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff, the Presidency confirmed.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on 8 May 2025.
The meeting signals a diplomatic opening between Pretoria and the Holy See at the start of the new Pope’s leadership.
Peacebuilding goals
In a statement, the Presidency described the visit as an opportunity to “reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations” while advancing shared humanitarian and peacebuilding goals.
“The discussions were constructive and forward-looking,” the Presidency said.
“The meeting underlines South Africa’s commitment to deepen ties with the Holy See as both parties pursue shared humanitarian and diplomatic objectives.”
Key areas of cooperation
The talks reportedly touched on key areas of cooperation, including climate justice, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding across Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s working visit to Rome included meetings with senior Vatican representatives to outline joint areas of interest and explore the Church’s role in supporting development and reconciliation initiatives on the continent.
The encounter is viewed by both parties as a symbolically significant step early in Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, reinforcing South Africa’s standing as a global voice for peace and social justice.
