President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis of the Holy See and the People of the Vatican City State, on the occasion commemorating the 86^th Anniversary of the founding of Vatican City State.

In her message to His Holiness, Pope Francis, President Johnson Sirleaf extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Peace Loving People of the Vatican City on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia and in her own name.

President Johnson Sirleaf noted that the Catholic Church remains a strong partner in Liberia's development program including its significant impact on the Liberian educational sector as well as its immense contributions to the strengthening of democratic institutions, thus promoting peace and reconciliation in Liberia.

President Johnson Sirleaf recalled her state visit last April to His Holiness at the Vatican City where she was assured that Liberia and the Vatican City will continue to work collaboratively in expanding and enriching the excellent relations between the two states while striving together for the attainment of world peace and stability.

The Liberian leader further indicated that Liberia's relations with the Holy See have spanned more than a century and a half while the partnership continues to garner remarkable mutually rewarding benefits for the two states.

The Liberia President then wished for His Holiness, good health and God's blessings of Peace and Prosperity for the People of the Holy See.