Cardinal Bertello concludes visit to Ghana

Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the commission governing the Vatican City State said he was happy to return to Ghana, where he served as Apostolic Nuncio between 1987 and 1991.

The Cardinal was in Ghana as Pope Francis’ Special Envoy to Ghana for the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Holy See and the 60th anniversary of Ghana’s Independence on 6 March.

“I am honoured, and I am also glad to be with you. I always say that Ghana is my first love. I have spent 25 years as an Apostolic Nuncio, but Ghana is my first love,” Cardinal Bertello stated.

He presided over the re-consecration of Ghana to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at an Ecumenical and Interfaith Prayer Session which took place at the Holy Spirit Cathedral. The re-consecration prayer service was attended by over a thousand people including the Republican President of Ghana, Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, National Chief Imam, traditional leaders and leaders of other Christian Denominations.

Cardinal Bertello also presided over the thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral and joined in watching the Independence parade held at the Black Star Square.

During a ‘Media Encounter’ held at the Apostolic Nunciature, Ghana’s Apostolic Nuncio and titular archbishop of Sulci, Jean-Marie Speich told Ghana’s media that the nunciature is always ready to promote peace and development in the country.

The Government of Ghana has in the meantime assured of continued cooperation with friendly states such as the Holy See in order to uphold and promote stronger institutions for good governance.

Speaking at an earlier event at the Apostolic Nunciature, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, pledged that Ghana would continue to deepen diplomatic relations with the Holy See to the mutual benefit of citizens and the people of faith.

The Minister said he was confident that the close and longstanding relations with Holy See would continue to be nurtured and further consolidated for the benefit of all.   

(Damian Avevor in Ghana)

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