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At Vatican Meeting, President of Seychelles Hails Leadership of Pope Leo XIV amid “global challenges”

Credit: Vatican Media
Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Vatican, 22 August, 2025 / 8:12 pm (ACI Africa).

The President of the Republic of Seychelles has hailed the leadership of Pope Leo XIV amid challenges that he said cut across the globe.

In a statement following the Friday, August 22 audience, State House Seychelles indicates that President Wavel Ramkalawan, who reaffirmed the close ties between Seychelles and the Holy See was accompanied by the First Lady, Linda Ramkalawan, the Principal Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde and the Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Holy See, Beryl Samson.

During the audience, President Ramkalawan conveyed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome extended to him and the Seychellois delegation when they arrived at the Vatican.

The statement further indicates that the President “conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the people of Seychelles to His Holiness and reiterated his deepest condolences following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis in April, recalling with gratitude his personal audience with the late Holy Father in March last year (2024).”

“On behalf of the Seychellois nation, the President congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election to the papacy on 8 May and expressed confidence in the Pontiff’s leadership at a time of global challenges,” the statement says. 

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The statement further indicates that the President “underscored the historic and enduring relationship between Seychelles and the Holy See, tracing its origins to the establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture of Seychelles in 1852—precursor to today’s Diocese of Port Victoria.”

“President Ramkalawan thanked the Holy See for the positive collaboration nurtured over many years, rooted in a shared resolve to work constructively towards common objectives. He highlighted that Roman Catholicism is deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of Seychelles, with the Church playing a vital role in spiritual life, community values, social cohesion, and the moral and civic development of society—an influence that resonates in daily life and across generations,” the statement adds.

The statement further says, “The Head of State noted that this close bond provides a strong foundation for the future of Seychelles–Holy See relations and affirmed his conviction that, under the Holy Father’s guidance, the partnership will continue to flourish.”

“Our shared commitment to human dignity, compassion, and peace offers a clear path forward,” President Ramkalawan has been quoted as saying, and also expressing Seychelles’ readiness to deepen cooperation that advances both spiritual and diplomatic aims,”.

On his part, the Holy Father is said to have expressed his appreciation for President Ramkalawan’s visit, noting the strong faith and resilience of the Seychellois people. 

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“Seychelles holds a special place in the heart of the Church. I commend the devotion of its people and the enduring role of the Catholic community in shaping lives with faith, hope, and charity. I look forward to strengthening the bonds that unite us, and I pray for the continued peace and prosperity of your nation,” Pope Leo XIV has been quoted as saying.

The statement also indicates that President Ramkalawan extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to “undertake a pastoral visit to Seychelles.”

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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