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Vatican City, Italy— Pope Francis received in a private audience President Joseph Nyuma Boakai the Vatican Apostolic Palace today, underscoring the strong and enduring relationship between Liberia and the Holy See.
According to a release, the meeting highlighted Liberia’s ongoing engagement with global partners in the pursuit of peace, development, and social progress. During their discussions, President Boakai and Pope Francis focused on the important role of the Catholic Church in Liberia, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
President Boakai expressed deep appreciation for the Church’s longstanding contributions to the wellbeing of the Liberian people. He noted that Catholic-run educational institutions and healthcare services have been pivotal in advancing social welfare, promoting human dignity, and improving the quality of life for many Liberians.
Following the audience with Pope Francis, President Boakai met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. These discussions addressed Liberia’s current social and economic challenges and reaffirmed the shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The leaders also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues, including migration and its impact on African nations. They emphasized the need for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of migration, uphold human rights, and promote development across Africa. President Boakai praised the Holy See for its continued support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to deepening Liberia’s partnership with the Catholic Church for the betterment of its people.
Exchange of Gifts
At the conclusion of the audience, Pope Francis presented President Boakai with a bronze sculpture of a dove carrying an olive branch, symbolizing peace, along with an inscription in Italian, “Siate messaggeri di pace” (“Be messengers of peace”). The Pope also gave President Boakai a copy of this year’s “Message for Peace” and a set of papal documents.
Keynote Address at World Food Forum
President Boakai is in Italy to deliver the keynote address at the World Food Forum in Rome. During his speech earlier this week, he outlined four key actions to address global food challenges: supporting local food systems, promoting climate resilience, strengthening social safety nets, and fostering global partnerships.
He emphasized that investments in rural infrastructure, such as roads, markets, and storage facilities, would improve supply chains and reduce post-harvest losses. He further advocated for increased support to local farming cooperatives and smallholder initiatives to empower communities and build resilience against food insecurity.
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