President Cyril Ramaphosa says his meeting with Pope Leo the 14th at the Vatican comes at a time when humanity faces immense challenges.

This was part of the President’s message to the Pontiff. The two met today and discussed, among others, humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response and peacebuilding.

Ramaphosa also added that conflicts across the globe are dividing societies and inflicting untold destruction.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa says the global challenges cannot be resolved by nations acting alone, but only through solidarity and multilateralism.

He says economic inequality continues to rise, stifling opportunity and hindering shared prosperity.

The President says through the G20 Presidency, South Africa sees an opportunity to promote solidarity that advances the common good.

He further says this is a moment to forge greater equality, empowering the marginalised, unlocking human potential and ensuring justice for all.

President Ramaphosa is in Rome for a working visit accompanied by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola.

President Ramaphosa’s first meeting with Pope Leo XIV | Professor Christopher Isike: