Ramaphosa to meet with Pope on Holy See visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa touched down in Rome on Friday morning for a working visit, where he is expected to meet with Pope Leo XIV.
The Presidency says the engagement between Ramaphosa and the Pope is significant, as it marks South Africa’s first high-level meeting with the newly appointed Pontiff.
Pope Leo was elected as the leader of the world’s one billion Catholics in May.
“His ascension to the papacy on the 8th of May this year provides an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations with the Holy See,” said the Presidency’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
He added that the concept of Ubuntu aligns closely with the Pope’s calls for a more inclusive and peaceful global community.
“The visit by President Ramaphosa serves as an opportunity to discuss a renewed focus on collaboration in humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response and peace building.”
Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa.
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