Govt hails Pope’s slavery apology as act of moral courage

The government has lauded Pope Leo XIV’s apology for the Holy See’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as “an act of moral courage” and a significant step toward historical justice and reconciliation.

In a statement issued last Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the government warmly welcomed the Pope’s historic acknowledgement of the church’s involvement in legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans.

“The statement represents an act of moral courage on the part of the Pope and an important contribution to the ongoing global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity and justice,” the ministry said.

It indicated that for five centuries, millions of Africans endured dehumanisation through racialised chattel enslavement, whose effects continue to shape societies today.

“Honest recognition of this painful history remains an essential step toward healing, reconciliation and a more just future,” the statement added.

It said discussions during negotiations underscored the church’s historical role, including references to Papal Bulls and made the Pope’s apology “particularly significant and refreshing.”

The MFA also commended Leo XIV’s long-standing commitment to service, compassion and the dignity of the human person.

“Throughout his work, he has advanced principles of social justice, solidarity with the vulnerable, dialogue across communities and moral responsibility in responding to the challenges of our changing world,” the statement said.

Pope’s apology

Pope Leo XIV last Monday issued the apology during his first papal encyclical for the Catholic church's role in slavery, acknowledging both its delay in condemning the practice and its historic involvement in legitimising it.

He said the church had taken centuries to fully recognise "the scourge of slavery" as incompatible with human dignity, calling the history of slavery "a wound in Christian memory."

"For this, in the name of the church, I sincerely ask for ⁠pardon,” he stated, expressing "deep sorrow" for the suffering endured by enslaved people.

The Pope affirmed that the church authorities had, at times, responded to rulers by regulating and legitimising forms of subjugation, including the enslavement of non-Christians.

Resolution

The Pope’s apology comes months after the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/80/250, declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

The Resolution affirmed the need to preserve historical memory and sustain international dialogue on justice, dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent.

Holding the largest number of slave forts and castles along its coast, the statement said the government remained committed to working with international partners and faith communities to advance historical justice and remembrance.

It added that President John Dramani Mahama would convene a High-Level Consultative Conference in Accra from June 17-19, 2026, to chart the next steps following the UN’s resolution.

The meeting will focus on sustaining global engagement on historical justice, remembrance and human dignity.