Vatican City, Italy – Pope Francis received President Joseph Nyuma Boakai today in a private audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, emphasizing the strong and longstanding relationship between Liberia and the Holy See.

According to a statement, the meeting underscored Liberia’s ongoing collaboration with global partners in the pursuit of peace, development, and social progress. The discussions between President Boakai and Pope Francis centered on the significant role of the Catholic Church in Liberia, particularly in the sectors of education and healthcare.

President Boakai expressed his deep gratitude for the Church’s longstanding contributions to the welfare of the Liberian people. He highlighted the pivotal role Catholic-run educational institutions and healthcare services play in promoting social welfare, human dignity, and enhancing the quality of life for many Liberians.

Following his audience with the Pope, President Boakai met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. Their talks addressed Liberia’s current social and economic challenges, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Regional and Global Cooperation The leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, including migration and its impact on African nations. They emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the root causes of migration, safeguarding human rights, and promoting development throughout Africa. President Boakai commended the Holy See for its ongoing support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s partnership with the Catholic Church for the benefit 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, with the Italian inscription "Siate messaggeri di pace" ("Be messengers of peace"). The Pope also gifted 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. In his speech earlier this week, he outlined four key actions to address global food challenges: strengthening local food systems, promoting climate resilience, enhancing social safety nets, and fostering global partnerships.

He stressed that investing in rural infrastructure, such as roads, markets, and storage facilities, would improve supply chains and reduce post-harvest losses. He also advocated for increased support for local farming cooperatives and smallholder initiatives to empower communities and build resilience against food insecurity.