Ghana Welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s Apology on Church’s Role in Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Government of Ghana has welcomed a historic apology from Pope Leo XIV for the Holy See’s role in legitimising and sustaining the transatlantic slave trade, calling it “an act of moral courage” and a step toward global healing.

In a statement issued on May 26, 2026, Accra said the Pope’s acknowledgment was a significant contribution to the worldwide push for historical truth, human dignity, and justice.

“This statement represents an act of moral courage on the part of the Pope and an important contribution to the ongoing global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity and justice,” the government said.

A 500-year wound acknowledged
For five centuries, millions of Africans and people of African descent endured chattel slavery and its dehumanising systems. Ghana said honest recognition of that history is essential for healing and reconciliation.

The government highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s long record of work on social justice, solidarity with the vulnerable, and inter-community dialogue, noting that the apology aligns with his broader commitment to human dignity.

Timing and global context
The apology comes months after the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/80/250, declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution called for preserving historical memory and sustaining dialogue on justice and equality for Africans and people of African descent.

During negotiations, Ghana noted, references to the Church’s role—including Papal Bulls and other historical issues—generated extensive debate. Pope Leo XIV’s apology, Accra said, “demonstrates a willingness to confront difficult historical truths in the interest of justice, understanding and reconciliation.”

Ghana’s role and next steps
As the country with the highest concentration of forts and castles linked to the slave trade along its coast, Ghana has long positioned itself at the center of efforts on remembrance and reparative justice.

President John Dramani Mahama thanked the Pope for the “significant step” and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to work with faith communities, civil society, and international partners on historical justice.

Accra will host a High-Level Consultative Conference from June 17-19, 2026, to discuss next steps following the UN resolution. The conference aims to sustain global engagement on historical justice, remembrance, and human dignity. Ghana also expressed hope that states which did not support the resolution would eventually align with its objectives.

Why it matters online
The statement is already gaining traction across Ghanaian and diaspora platforms, where calls for acknowledgment and reparative action have grown louder in recent years. For many, the Pope’s apology is seen as a rare instance of institutional accountability on a history that continues to shape economic and social disparities today.

“Honest recognition of this painful history remains an essential step toward healing, reconciliation and a more just future,” the Ghanaian government said.