Burkina Faso and the Holy See: 50 years of diplomatic relations

The diplomatic mission of Burkina Faso to the Holy See recently marked the golden jubilee of relations between the two entities with a Eucharistic celebration in Rome and a similar ceremony in Ouagadougou.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The Mass was held at the Basilica of Sant'Eustachio in Rome.

May the BVM inspire us to peace

The Mass celebrated on Saturday, 17 June, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, was a sombre affair, given the continued suffering and insecurity in Burkina Faso perpetrated by jihadists.

In his homily, Cardinal Turkson prayed that the love and faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary would inspire and permeate the actions of all world leaders, politicians and other decision-makers to ensure that peace prevails not only in Burkina Faso but in all troubled regions of the world.

Several African diplomats accredited to the Holy See, priests, religious and Burkina Faso’s diaspora resident in Rome attended the Eucharist. There was also a delegation from Burkina Faso led by Mr Jean Marie Karamoko Traoré, Deputy Minister for Regional Cooperation.

Representing Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s President of the Transitional Government, Minister Karamoko Traoré hailed the excellent relations between his country and the Holy See.

During his stay in Rome, the Burkinabe Minister also met with the Holy See’s Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

Pope Francis’ closeness to Burkina Faso

From Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou, the Online news outlet burkina24 reports that the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba, took part in a similar ceremony commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and the Holy See.

During the ceremony, the Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, praised the excellent bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and the Holy See.

The Holy See, he said, wants to consolidate solidarity and action in favour of world peace, including the restive Sahel region.

“His Holiness Pope Francis is aware of the grave and unprecedented crisis facing our beloved Burkina Faso. He has, therefore, on numerous occasions joined his predecessors in praying for the victims of violence and terrorism and in renewing appeals to the international community for peace in Burkina Faso,” said the Apostolic Nuncio.

Burkina Faso’s appreciation to the Holy See

For her part, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the Holy See’s historic commitment to development and peace in her country.

Ms Rouamba pointed out that “even before the establishment of diplomatic relations between my country and the Holy See, the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso was already engaged in constructive contributions in various areas of development, notably health and education. The Catholic Church was already investing in the social and humanitarian sectors, with the construction of several schools and health centres,” she said.

The Minister further praised efforts by the Holy See in mobilising the international community to help bring about peace in Burkina Faso through its constant appeals for humanitarian aid and its vital contribution to the promotion of inter-religious dialogue.

It was on 14 June 1973 that then Upper Volta and the Holy See decided to establish diplomatic relations under the pontificate of Pope Saint Paul VI.

Françoise Niamien and Paul Samasumo
Source: vaticannews.va