Mahama Hails Pope Leo XIV’s Slave Trade Apology as ‘Significant for Healing

The Government of Ghana has welcomed an apology by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Holy See’s historical role in legitimizing and sustaining the transatlantic slave trade, calling it an act of moral courage.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government said the Pope’s remarks are an important contribution to the global search for historical truth, justice, and human dignity.

The statement noted Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding commitment to compassion, social justice, and solidarity with vulnerable communities.

It said millions of Africans and people of African descent endured dehumanization and exploitation through racialized chattel slavery, with effects that still shape societies today. Acknowledging that painful history, the government said, is essential for healing, reconciliation, and building a more just future.

President John Dramani Mahama described the Pope’s acknowledgement as significant, coming at a time when the international community is reflecting more deeply on the lasting impact of slavery and colonialism.

The apology, the statement added, reinforces growing global recognition that confronting historical injustices requires truth-telling and moral responsibility.

“His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama expresses his appreciation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for this significant step and looks forward to continuing global engagement in promoting truth, healing and a shared commitment to humanity,” the statement said.

The government also pointed to the recent adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans among the gravest crimes against humanity.

It said debates around the resolution included discussions on the Church’s historical role, including Papal Bulls linked to the transatlantic slave trade. Against that backdrop, Ghana called Pope Leo XIV’s apology “particularly significant and refreshing.”

The government reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with international partners, faith communities, and civil society to advance historical justice, remembrance, and the restoration of human dignity.

As part of that effort, Ghana will host a High-Level Consultative Conference in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026, to consider next steps after the UN resolution and to sustain global engagement on historical justice and remembrance.

President Mahama, according to the statement, thanked Pope Leo XIV for what he described as a significant step toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.