Ghana Welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s Apology on Holy See’s Role in Transatlantic Slave Trade
Ghana has welcomed the historic apology by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the role played by the Holy See in legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade.
In a statement issued on 26th May 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Pope’s statement as an act of moral courage and an important contribution to the global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity and justice.
The Ministry noted that the apology reflects the Pope’s longstanding commitment to service, compassion, social justice and dialogue across communities.
For five centuries, millions of Africans and people of African descent endured suffering and dehumanisation under systems of racialised chattel enslavement, the effects of which continue to shape societies worldwide.
Ghana said honest recognition of this history is an essential step toward healing, reconciliation and a more just future.
The government highlighted the timing of the apology, coming as the international community deepens reflection on the consequences of slavery and colonialism.
It pointed to the recent adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.
The resolution affirmed the need to preserve historical memory and sustain dialogue on justice, dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent.
Ghana noted that during negotiations on the resolution, discussions on historical references to the role of the Church, including Papal Bulls, generated extensive debate.
Against this background, the Ministry said Pope Leo XIV’s apology was particularly significant for demonstrating a willingness to confront difficult truths in the interest of justice and reconciliation.
As a nation with the highest concentration of forts and castles along its coast, Ghana remains deeply connected to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to work with international partners, faith communities and civil society to advance historical justice, remembrance and the restoration of human dignity.
Ghana said it looks forward to welcoming the international community to Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026 for a High-Level Consultative Conference convened by President John Dramani Mahama.
The conference will focus on next steps following the UN resolution and sustaining global engagement on historical justice and human dignity.
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