-As he receives Letter of Credence from Vatican Ambassador
As he received Letter of Credence from a Vatican Envoy in Monrovia on Monday, Liberian President. George Manneh Weah has acknowledged the meaningful role the Catholic Church continues to play over the years in Liberia.
President Weah specifically pointed to the Vatican’s continued prayers for peace and prosperity on behalf of Liberia, which has led to stability and national harmony.
Diplomatic relations between Liberia and the Holy See was established in 1927 and since then the two states have enjoyed cordial ties.
An Executive Mansion press release says the Liberian leader was speaking when he received the Letter of Credence from Ambassador Rev. Monsignor Dagoberto Campos Salas Monday, December 10, 2018.
President Weah thanked the Vatican for the good job it has done in Liberia.
President Weah discusses with the new Apostolic Nuncio
He recalled how the Vatican, through Catholic Church, has been standing with Liberia since the days of the late Archbishop Michael Francis.
President Weah told Ambassador Campos Salas that Liberia still needs prayers to be able to overcome challenges facing the nation and its people. He said he has had longstanding relationship and strong belief in the Roman Pontiff in whom he still cherishes.
He recalled the intervention of late Pope John Paul II when AC Milan, the team he played for in Italy, was struggling in the league.
“So we believe in the Pope. And I still hold onto that. Even now in Liberia, with the help of the Vatican, we will able to overcome,” he said.
The President said there was a strong need for Liberia and the Vatican to work toward strengthening the longstanding relationship they share.
President Weah and Deputy Foreign Minister pose with Apostolic Nuncio and Assistant
For his part, the Apostolic Nuncio said he was glad to be in Liberia and to present his Letter of Credence to the President on behalf of the Vatican. He thanked President Weah for his ascendancy to the highest office of the land and for ably steering the affairs of the state.
He also extolled the exceptional relationship between Liberia and Vatican through the Catholic Church and noted government’s continued support to and cooperation with the Church. He expressed the hope that relations will blossom during his time as Ambassador of the Vatican.