The government of Ghana has welcomed what it describes as a historic apology by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV over the role of the Holy See in the transatlantic slave trade, describing the statement as a significant milestone in the global pursuit of historical justice and reconciliation.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, government said the Pope’s acknowledgement of the Church’s role in “legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade” demonstrates “moral courage” and contributes meaningfully to ongoing international efforts to promote truth, dignity and justice.
The statement noted that Ghana recognises Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding commitment to “service, compassion and the dignity of the human person,” adding that he has consistently championed “social justice, solidarity with the vulnerable, dialogue across communities and moral responsibility.”
According to government, the apology comes at a crucial moment as global conversations intensify around the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism.
“For five centuries, millions of Africans and people of African descent endured unimaginable suffering and dehumanisation through systems of racialised chattel enslavement whose effects continue to shape societies and communities across the world today,” the statement said.
Government stressed that confronting and acknowledging this painful history remains essential to healing, reconciliation and the restoration of human dignity.
The Presidency stated that President John Mahama considers the Pope’s acknowledgement “particularly significant,” noting that it reinforces the growing international consensus that addressing historical injustices requires “truth-telling and moral responsibility.”
Government also linked the Pope’s apology to the recent adoption of United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity.”
According to the statement, the resolution represents an important development in preserving historical memory and sustaining international dialogue on justice, dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent.
The Presidency further revealed that negotiations surrounding the resolution included debates over references to the Church’s historical involvement in the slave trade, including Papal Bulls.
Against that backdrop, government described Pope Leo XIV’s apology as “particularly significant and refreshing,” saying it reflects a willingness “to confront difficult historical truths in the interest of justice, understanding and reconciliation.”
Government noted that Ghana remains deeply connected to the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, with the country’s forts and castles serving as enduring reminders of one of humanity’s darkest periods.
The statement added that Ghana remains committed to working with international partners, faith-based institutions, civil society organisations and global stakeholders to advance historical justice, remembrance and the restoration of human dignity.
Government also announced that Ghana will host a High-Level Consultative Conference in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026, under the leadership of President Mahama, to deliberate on next steps following the UN resolution and sustain international engagement on historical justice and remembrance.
President Mahama, according to the statement, expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV “for this significant step” and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting “truth, healing and a shared commitment to humanity.”
