President Cyril Ramaphosa met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday in what the Presidency described as South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The meeting marks a diplomatic opening between Pretoria and the Holy See at the start of Pope Leo’s leadership. X (formerly Twitter)
According to Vatican News Pope Leo XIV was elected on 8 May 2025. The Presidency said the encounter offers an immediate opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
The working visit provides scope to discuss collaboration on humanitarian assistance, climate justice, emergency response and peacebuilding.
The meeting between President Ramaphosa and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is of particular significance as it represents South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff.
His ascension to papacy on 8 May 2025 provides an important opportunity to reaffirm… https://t.co/WNz8O43bGC pic.twitter.com/AcdOa6gwOZ
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 8, 2025
South African officials framed the talks as constructive and forward looking. Noting the symbolic value of meeting the Pontiff early in his papacy.
President Ramaphosa had arrived in Rome for the working visit and held talks with Vatican representatives to outline areas of mutual interest.
🇿🇦His Excellency President Matamela @CyrilRamaphosa meets with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.#SAinVaticanCity 🇿🇦🇻🇦#BetterAfricaBetterWorld 🌍 pic.twitter.com/mu3dhveFDH
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 8, 2025
The Presidency said the meeting underlines South Africa’s commitment to deepen ties with the Holy See as both parties pursue shared humanitarian and diplomatic goals.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: The Presidency / X
