President George Manneh Weah has sent a message of congratulations and sincere best wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion marking the commemoration of the 89^th Anniversary of the founding of the Vatican City State.

The Vatican City State was founded following the signing of the Lateran Pacts between the Holy See and Italy on February 11^th, 1929.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Weah reflected fervently on the excellent relations that subsist between Liberia and the Vatican spanning at least 81 years.

“It is also satisfying to note that since 1927, Liberia and the Vatican have strived to sustain cordial relations exploring partnership in significant areas including education, health, freedom of speech and human rights, especially the rights of the oppressed,” the Liberian Leader said.

President Weah further told His Holiness that the Catholic Ecclesiastical has always been a dependable partner to his nation’s development agenda, and significantly contribute to the peace and stability Liberians now enjoy.

The President, who extended best wishes to Pope Francis and through him to the Government and people of the Vatican City, stated that celebrating the day with them, enables his government to reflect on the excellent relationship between both nations.

“I intend to uphold this very cordial tie between our two nations, and do commit myself to delivering the change that Liberians need in order to positively transform their livelihood through the concept of ‘pro-poor system of governance.’”

Being knowledgeable of the challenges ahead, the Liberian President requested from His Holiness Pope Francis, “spiritual support and guidance.”

President Weah told Pope Francis that as inhabitants of the Vatican City commemorate this eventful day, they can be assured of his government’s continual support and desire to forge even stronger tie for the mutual interest of the two peoples, amidst their collective efforts to contribute to global peace, stability and alleviating the plights of refugees worldwide.

President Weah then wished for His Holiness Pope Francis continued good health and wisdom in steering world peace and coexistence.