Face to Face with Pope Francis -Baokai, Koffa Exchange Pleasantries with His Holiness

MONROVIA – In apparent search for solutions to Liberia’s intractable socioeconomic woes, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has spent a reasonable period of his ten-month reign out of the country, meeting world leaders, international financial institutions and goodwill private organizations and persons. Last week, the nation-building mission took the President to the Italian Vatican City State, the holy seat of the Roman Catholic Church, where he, and the leader of the First Branch of his Government, House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, seemingly seeking provincial, religious and spiritual approbations shook hands with and exchanged diplomatic pleasantries with Sovereign Pontiff Pope Francis. The Analyst reports on a dispatch from Rome.

The Executive Mansion has reported that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai over the weekend was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

According to a release, the meeting reflects the strong and enduring relationship between Liberia and the “Holy See” and follows Liberia’s tradition of engagement with global partners for peace, development, and social progress.

During the discussions, President Boakai and Pope Francis focused on the ongoing collaboration between Liberia and the Catholic Church, particularly in the crucial areas of education and healthcare.

The release quotes the President expressing deep gratitude for the Church’s contributions to the betterment of the Liberian people through its educational institutions and medical services, which have played a pivotal role in advancing social welfare and human dignity in the country.

Following his audience with the Holy Father, President Boakai met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

The discussions touched on Liberia’s current social and economic situation.

The two sides reportedly reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Liberia, exchanging views on pressing international and regional issues, with particular emphasis on migratory challenges and the impact on African nations.

The talks highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the root causes of migration, ensuring human rights, and fostering development across Africa.

President Boakai expressed his appreciation to the Holy See for its continued support for Liberia and emphasized his Administration’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with the Catholic Church for the benefit of the Liberian people.

House Speaker Meets Pope

It is also reported that House Speaker Koff on Friday met His Holiness, Pope Francis, Sovereign of the Vatican City.

“It was rewarding for me as a Catholic, for this once in a life time opportunity to meet the head of our Church,” Koffa said following the formal ceremonies.

He said: “On Friday, it was an honor to finally meet His Holiness, Pope Francis, Sovereign of the Vatican City. It was rewarding for me as a Catholic, for this once in a life time opportunity to meet the head of our Church.”