Ramaphosa tells Pope Leo XIV about peace and global solidarity

Ramaphosa tells Pope Leo XIV about peace and global solidarity during a historic visit to the Vatican, marking South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed pontiff. The meeting comes at a moment of rising global conflict, deepening inequality, and urgent calls for cooperation among nations. The discussion highlighted themes of peace, justice, climate responsibility, and South Africa’s leadership role as it prepares to host the upcoming G20 summit.

A Historic Meeting at the Vatican

President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Rome for a working visit to the Holy See, accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa. The engagement holds special diplomatic weight as it marks the first official encounter between the South African government and Pope Leo XIV, who became pontiff following the passing of Pope Francis.

The Ramaphosa Vatican visit centered on strengthening cooperation in humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response, peacebuilding, and global development. The Holy See, with diplomatic ties to over 180 countries, plays a powerful moral and diplomatic role in shaping global humanitarian priorities.

Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the warm welcome at the heart of the Catholic faith, calling the Vatican “a place where humanity’s shared moral conscience is often voiced and challenged to rise higher.”

A Strong Global Peace Appeal

In his remarks, Ramaphosa delivered a message focused on the moral responsibility of global leadership. He stated that “to many, it seems easier to fund wars than to invest in peace”, criticizing the global trend of increasing military expenditure amid humanitarian crises.

He emphasized that conflicts in regions such as Africa, Europe, and the Middle East continue to tear societies apart—yet solutions are impossible without genuine collaboration. This formed the basis of his global peace appeal.

“These global challenges cannot be resolved by nations acting alone; only through solidarity and multilateralism,” Ramaphosa said.

He outlined growing inequality as one of the great tests of the 21st century. Rising economic pressures, climate-driven disasters, and uneven access to global resources are pulling societies apart. Ramaphosa argued that sustainable solutions require global unity and long-term thinking rather than short-term profit or political gain.

South Africa’s Vision Ahead of G20 Leadership

As South Africa prepares to preside over the G20 summit, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of placing human dignity at the center of global economic priorities. He said South Africa’s G20 theme — Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability — reflects the African philosophy of Ubuntu: the understanding that humanity is interconnected.

South Africa G20 leadership will focus on:

• Reducing global inequality

• Improving food and energy security

• Supporting economic development in Africa and the Global South

• Addressing climate vulnerability and debt pressure on poorer countries

Ramaphosa highlighted that many African nations spend more servicing debt than improving health or education — a reality that deepens poverty and limits national independence. He called for reforms to global financial systems and praised Pope Leo XIV’s advocacy for more equitable international economic structures.

Shared Moral Leadership and Ubuntu

Ramaphosa commended the Pope’s commitment to spiritual and ethical leadership in global affairs, recognizing the Catholic Church’s historic support for human rights and democracy in South Africa.

“Faith-based communities have been at the forefront of our struggle for democracy, human rights and social justice,” he noted.

He described South Africa’s own post-apartheid legacy of reconciliation as a model that can inspire other nations embroiled in conflict. The ability for past adversaries to sit at the same table, he said, is proof that peace and justice are possible even in deeply divided societies.

Invitation to South Africa

The President extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Africa, supported by the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. He said such a visit would offer hope and unity to millions across the continent.

A Call to the Global Community

Ramaphosa concluded by reminding world leaders that humanity’s collective security is intertwined:

“Our freedom, our security and our prosperity are bound together. To ignore the plight of any is to endanger the future of all.”

The Ramaphosa Vatican visit underscores South Africa’s intention to lead the G20 with compassion, cooperation, and firm commitment to peace — a message that resonates deeply at a time when the world is at a crossroads.

Read more related Polotics news from eKayNews below:

Trump says no US government official will attend G20 summit in South Africa

Kindly consider to support eKayNews, further consider buying us a virtual coffee or subscribe to any amount of your choice  also in the links below or check at the footer of website

Payment handled by Pay fast the most and eKayNews doesn’t access your payments details at all:
Subscribe with any amount and cancel anytime:

Subscribe any amount of your choice:

Consider Buy us once off virtue coffee of any amount

Your incredible generosity in financially contributing to eKayNews fills our hearts with profound gratitude. Thank you, truly.
Your support is the very lifeline that allows us to remain online, to continue our work, and most importantly, to keep serving you with the news and information you rely on.
No matter the size, makes a tangible difference and empowers us to keep going.

From the entire team at eKayNews, thank you for being such a vital part of our community. We are committed to continuing to serve you even better, thanks to your kindness

                                   We’re grateful for your Love and support of eKayNews

Thank you supporting eKayNews! Follow us for the latest news and updates. We appreciate your readership and engagement.
eKayNews on Facebook
eKayNews on X
Follow the eKayNews What Sapp: News Channel