Apostolic Nuncio begins five-day pastoral visit to Yendi Diocese

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Julien Kabore, has begun a five-day pastoral visit to the Diocese of Yendi, bringing the blessings and affection of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, to the faithful of the northern Ghanaian diocese.

He was warmly received on Tuesday, 29 October 2025, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Yendi, where clergy, religious and parishioners gathered to welcome him for what is the first such extended visit to the diocese in recent years.

In his address to the congregation, Archbishop Kabore expressed joy and humility at being among the faithful of Yendi, saying, “It is with great joy and deep humility that I stand before you on this first day of my pastoral visit. I greet each one of you with fraternal affection and gratitude for the warm welcome you have extended.”

Representing the Holy Father, he conveyed the Pope’s “warm affection and spiritual closeness”, adding, “He remembers you in his prayers and shares in your joys and challenges. May his paternal blessing strengthen you, and may you feel united with the universal Church in faith, hope, and love.”

Amid the current social and economic challenges facing the people, the Nuncio called on the faithful not to lose hope. “Our Lord is our refuge and our strength, ever faithful, even in the midst of uncertainty,” he said. “Let us not be discouraged, but draw courage from His presence. Together, as a community rooted in faith, hope, and love, we can uplift one another, carry each other’s burdens, and shine as witnesses to God’s enduring care.”

He urged renewed devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, reminding the faithful that October is a month dedicated to her. “Here in Yendi, she is venerated as Our Lady of Lourdes, a gentle and loving Mother who intercedes for us and leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus,” he said.

In welcoming the Nuncio, the Bishop of Yendi, the Most Reverend Matthew Yitiereh, described the visit as a blessing and a sign of the Church’s unity. “We are happy to welcome you very warmly today in our midst to visit us and to give us your apostolic blessing and counsel,” he said.

Bishop Yitiereh highlighted the pastoral realities of the diocese, noting that while Christians form a minority in the area, interreligious coexistence remains peaceful despite occasional tensions. “Christians altogether in this diocese form only a minority. Islam is the dominant religion. Fortunately, we are in a fraternal dialogue with them, and we co-exist peacefully,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the visit would strengthen the faith of the local Church and attract support for its pastoral and educational initiatives, including efforts to establish a minor seminary.

The Apostolic Nuncio’s itinerary includes meetings with priests and religious, visits to educational and health institutions, courtesy calls on traditional authorities, and celebrations of the Eucharist in key parishes.

According to the programme, Archbishop Kabore will preside over the closing Mass with pilgrims at Our Lady of the Mountain Grotto, Lakpale/Sheini, on 1 November, and a climactic Pastoral Visit Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Yendi, on Sunday, 2 November, before departing later that day.