President Ramkalawan Pays Courtesy Call on Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, on Saturday paid a courtesy call on the Secretary of State of the Holy See, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the Vatican City. The meeting formed part of the President’s official visit to Vatican City, during which he was received in audience the day before by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

During cordial discussions, President Ramkalawan conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation since their arrival in Vatican City. He noted with honour that this visit marked his second papal audience, following his meeting with the late Pope Francis in March last year, and his second meeting with Cardinal Parolin. He was accompanied by the Principal Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, and the ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Holy See, Beryl Samson.

Both sides discussed key areas of collaboration, including environmental conservation, climate change, family values and the social progress of the younger generation. President Ramkalawan expressed appreciation for the excellent working relationship with the Holy See and said that both parties were committed to deepening their cooperation and engagement through existing diplomatic channels to translate shared goals into practical outcomes. Other important issues discussed were social cohesion, family values and youth empowerment, as well as the protection of the world’s oceans. During the visit, the delegation also met with Monsignor Tomasz Grysa, the Apostolic Nuncio, and Father Perpetuo Socorro of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.