Pope Apologizes for Historical Role of Catholic Church in Slavery

 Pope Leo XIV has apologized for the historical role of the Catholic Church in slavery, Reuters reported, citing the Pope's statement.

In his first papal encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas" ("Magnificent Humanity"), Leo XIV stated that it took the Church centuries to fully recognize the "calamity of slavery" as incompatible with human dignity, calling this legacy a "wound in Christian memory."

"For this, on behalf of the Church, I sincerely ask forgiveness," he wrote in his manifesto, expressing "deep sorrow" for the suffering endured by enslaved people.

The government of Ghana responded positively to the Pope's statement, emphasizing its significance for the international dialogue on the consequences of slavery, historical memory, and justice.

"This statement represents an act of moral courage by the Pope and an important contribution to the ongoing global quest for historical truth, human dignity, and justice," Ghana's Foreign Ministry emphasized.

The country expressed its readiness to continue cooperation with international partners and religious organizations to preserve historical memory and promote the ideals of equality and justice.

"For five centuries, millions of Africans and people of African descent endured unimaginable suffering and dehumanization within systems of racial slavery, the consequences of which continue to shape societies and communities around the world today. Honest acknowledgment of this painful history remains an important step toward healing," the ministry added.

In April, during a meeting with representatives of the government, civil society, and the diplomatic corps of Angola, the Pope criticized the economic development model based on the exploitation of African countries' natural resources.