Ghana welcomes papal apology on slave trade

The Government of Ghana has welcomed an apology by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV regarding the historical role of the Holy See in legitimising and sustaining the transatlantic slave trade, describing the gesture as an important step toward truth, justice and reconciliation.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 26, 2026, the Government said it warmly received the Pope’s acknowledgement and apology for the role played by the Holy See in the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade.

According to the statement, Ghana considers the Pope’s declaration “an act of moral courage” and a meaningful contribution to the global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity and justice.

The Government further recognised Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding commitment to service, compassion and the dignity of the human person, noting that throughout his ministry he has promoted social justice, solidarity with vulnerable communities, dialogue across cultures and moral responsibility in addressing global challenges.

The statement reflected on the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, observing that millions of Africans and people of African descent endured centuries of suffering and dehumanisation through systems of racialised chattel enslavement whose effects continue to shape societies worldwide.

It stressed that honest recognition of this painful past remains an essential pathway to healing, reconciliation and the building of a more just future.

Ghana said the Pope’s acknowledgement comes at a significant moment when the international community is undertaking deeper reflection on the historical consequences of slavery and colonialism. It noted that confronting historical injustices requires truth-telling and moral responsibility as essential foundations for justice and reconciliation.

The Government also referenced the recent adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as grave crimes against humanity. Ghana described the resolution as a landmark step in preserving historical memory and promoting global dialogue on justice, dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent.

The statement noted that discussions leading to the adoption of the resolution involved significant deliberations concerning historical references to the Church, including papal decrees and related issues associated with the transatlantic slave trade. Against this background, Ghana described Pope Leo XIV’s apology as particularly significant, saying it demonstrates a willingness to confront difficult historical truths in the interest of justice, understanding and reconciliation.

As a nation deeply connected to the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with international partners, faith communities, civil society organisations and people of conscience to advance efforts aimed at historical justice, remembrance and the restoration of human dignity.

The Government also announced plans to host an international High-Level Consultative Conference in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026, convened by President John Dramani Mahama to discuss next steps following the adoption of the UN resolution and sustain global engagement on historical justice and remembrance.

Ghana expressed hope that countries which did not support the resolution would, in time, align themselves with its objectives and join broader international efforts toward its effective implementation.

President John Dramani Mahama, according to the statement, expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV for what was described as a significant step and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to continued global engagement in promoting truth, healing and a shared commitment to humanity.