President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Rome, Italy for a working visit to the Holy See. The President is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation minister, Ronald Lamola. 

The Presidency says this visit serves as an opportunity to discuss a renewed focus on collaboration in humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response, and peace building. 

The Holy See has diplomatic ties with over 180 countries and observer status at major international bodies like the United Nations.  

It also holds significant global influence through its moral, religious, and diplomatic authority. 

South Africa and the Holy See have a long history of diplomatic relations that was formally established in 1994.  

The meeting with the Pope Leo XIV is of particular significance as it represents South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff.  

🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa arrives at the Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport in Italy. The President is on a Working visit to the Holy See from 7-8 November 2025.

South Africa and the Holy See have a long history of diplomatic relations that were… pic.twitter.com/Xpr9AFGwKn

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 7, 2025