Vanuatu honours inauguration of new Pope with gift and message of faith

During the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, the Republic of Vanuatu extended warm congratulations and respect through its official envoy, Ambassador Bernard Leclerc.

Representing both the people and government of Vanuatu, Ambassador Leclerc conveyed a message of spiritual unity and goodwill on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Ati.

He also presented the Holy Father with a symbolic gift: a book dedicated to the youth of Pope Leo XIII, often referred to as the “Pope of workers” and the “Pope of human rights.”

“This modest gift is meant to reflect our connection to the values of peace, dialogue, and fraternity that the Apostolic See has upheld for centuries—and that Vanuatu sincerely shares,” Leclerc said during the presentation.

He also referenced Vanuatu’s national motto, “We stand with God,” affirming the country’s alignment with spiritual values shared by the Church.

He described the new Pontiff’s election as “a breath of hope,” reaching even the most remote corners of the Pacific.

The book, while honouring Pope Leo XIII’s legacy, also points to the continuity of the Church’s mission to promote dignity, justice, and unity across cultures and continents.

In honouring a past Pope, Vanuatu signalled its hope for a future guided by the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

Ambassador Leclerc concluded with prayers for the new Pontiff’s ministry, expressing hope that it would remain “faithful to the Gospel and serve the good of all humanity.”

This gesture from Vanuatu reflects the respectful ties between the island nation and the Vatican, and the country’s intent to remain engaged in global discussions centred on peace, faith, and shared human values.