Rome: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a renewed global spirit of solidarity, equality, and shared humanity to confront the world’s growing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Delivering a message to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Saturday at the Vatican, President Ramaphosa said the world faced immense trials that could only be overcome through unity, multilateralism, and a commitment to peace.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s G20 Presidency presented an opportunity to advance the common good by tackling inequality, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring justice for all. He highlighted the importance of solidarity and multilateralism, urging wealthier nations to act not from charity but from justice.
The President commended Pope Leo XIV’s leadership following the passing of Pope Francis, describing his election as ‘a source of hope and encouragement’ to many. He acknowledged South Africa’s multi-faith society and its enduring commitment to social justice and reconciliation, noting the role of faith-based communities in the nation’s struggle for democracy and human rights.
President Ramaphosa also spoke about the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, which South Africa will host under the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’. He stressed that the summit would be guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, focusing on pressing issues such as inequality, food security, and development in Africa and the Global South.
Emphasizing the need for collective action and compassion, President Ramaphosa warned against global division and fragmentation. He called for a multilateral order grounded in universal values and justice, addressing ecological harms and the burdens of debt that hinder poverty alleviation.
Expressing concern over ongoing conflicts in regions such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Palestine, President Ramaphosa urged the global community to consistently pursue peace and justice. He highlighted South Africa’s experience with dialogue and reconciliation, offering its heritage as a model for facilitating lasting peace.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the Holy See’s global influence in promoting human dignity and called for deeper collaboration between South Africa and the Vatican on humanitarian aid, climate justice, and peacebuilding. He aligned South Africa’s G20 agenda with the Church’s calls for reform of the global financial system.
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Africa. He expressed the honor it would be for the nation, reflecting on his visit to the Holy See as a blessing and a source of hope.
President Ramaphosa’s visit to Rome included a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa. The engagement with Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment in South Africa’s diplomatic relations with the Holy See, reaffirming and strengthening bilateral ties since their establishment in 1994.