President Mahama presenting a framed Ghana Coat of Arms to Pope Francis
Pope Francis has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for championing a good image of Africa.
He said since his election, President Mahama had carried his duties with excellence and made African issues his prime concern.
The Pontiff said this when he received President Mahama in audience at the Vatican yesterday.
The meeting, the first between the two leaders, discussed a wide range of issues, particularly the humanitarian crisis caused by the Ebola virus pandemic in parts of West Africa.
Other areas of discussion were advancing education and caring for the vulnerable in Ghana.
Besides, mention was made of the promotion of the good of the family.
Pope Francis praised Ghana for its remarkable story in peace and democratic development.
The President was at the Vatican at the invitation of the Pontiff.
During the cordial discussions, the parties took note of the friendly relations between the Holy See and Ghana, which had resulted in the Catholic Church’s massive involvement in the social, educational and healthcare development of Ghana.
The Catholic Church has a number of secondary schools and a university in Ghana.
President Mahama subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Secretary for Relations with States.
He also had a meeting with Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson.
Mr Mahama was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Lordina Mahama; the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Hannah Tetteh, and a delegation from the Catholic community in Ghana.
Source: Daily Graphic
