President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Rome, Italy, for a working visit to the Holy See from November 7 to November 8 2025, where he is expected to hold talks with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on strengthening relations between South Africa and the Vatican.
According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the visit aims to ”discuss a renewed focus on collaboration in humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response, and peace building.”
He said the meeting represents an opportunity for South Africa to reaffirm its longstanding ties with the Holy See and explore areas of shared global concern.
Magwenya said the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with more than 180 countries and holds observer status at major international bodies, including the United Nations.
Magwenya said South Africa and the Holy See ”have cordial bilateral relations” dating back to 1994, when diplomatic ties were formally established.
”South Africa values the warm and respectful relations it has enjoyed with the Holy See over the years.” he added.
The meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff, who ascended to the papacy on May 8, 2025.
Magwenya said the engagement ”provides an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations with the Holy See.”
He noted that the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, which underscores interconnectedness and shared humanity, resonates strongly with the Pope’s message of compassion and inclusivity.
”The South African concept of Ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness, shared humanity, and humanity towards others, aligns with the Pope’s calls for a more compassionate, loving, peaceful and inclusive global community,” Magwenya said.
Ramaphosa is accompanied on the visit by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa, said Magwenya.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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