President Joseph N. Boakai has praised the Catholic Church for its immense contributions to the socio-economic development of Liberia. Speaking Sunday, October 21, 2024, the president said the church has contributed through the establishment of some of the best institutions of learning, along with healthcare facilities, humanitarian services and human rights promotion.
According to him, Catholic institutions have produced some of Liberia’s most eminent scholars, scientists and political and religious leaders. He said the Pope is the spiritual head of 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide including an estimated 350,000 Liberian worshippers.
“Our relations with the Vatican City-State date back to 1927 when Liberia became the first country in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with the Holy See,” he said. Recently, President Boakai met the head of the Catholic Church His Holiness Pope Francis in the Vatican Apostolic Palace in Rome, Italy. During the visit, Pope Francis adorned President Boakai with a work of bronze depicting a dove carrying an olive branch, with Italian inscription “Siate messaggeri di pace” (Be messengers of peace).
The Pope also offered the Liberian President a copy of this year’s “Message for Peace” and a set of papal documents. During talks, good relations between the “Holy See” and Liberia were evoked, as well as the collaboration with the Catholic Church in the fields of education and healthcare; some aspects of the socio-economic situation of the country were discussed. The conversation continued with an exchange of opinions on current international affairs, with particular reference to the regional situation and migratory phenomena.
The meeting between Boakai and Pope Francis reflects the strong and enduring relationship between Liberia and the Holy See, and follows Liberia’s tradition of engagement with global partners for peace, development and social progress.
Speaking, the President expressed deep gratitude for the Church’s contributions to the betterment of the Liberian people through its educational institutions and medical services which have played a pivotal role in advancing social welfare and human dignity.
He said the Pope is the spiritual head of 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide including an estimated 350,000 Liberian worshippers. “Our relations with the Vatican City-State date back to 1927 when Liberia became the first country in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with the Holy See,” he said.
By Prince Saah
