South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday, a diplomatic encounter centered on cultural dialogue and mutual respect, a moment of calm that contrasted sharply with the political tension sparked by the United States’ decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa.
The meeting took place inside the Apostolic Palace, where both leaders exchanged gifts and engaged in a friendly discussion. According to officials, the visit was part of an effort to deepen understanding and strengthen ties.
The serene Vatican engagement came just 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that no American representatives would attend the G20 in South Africa, including Vice President JD Vance, who had been scheduled to go in Trump’s place.
President Trump defended the boycott via social media, claiming that hosting the G20 in South Africa was a “complete disgrace.” He again repeated accusations that white Afrikaner farmers are being subjected to violence and land seizures.
His administration has consistently pushed this narrative and even hinted that most of the United States’ limited refugee admission slots would be given to white South Africans.
South Africa has firmly denied the accusations. Ramaphosa has said he personally informed Trump that the claims of persecution are “completely false.”
Officials expressed disbelief at Washington’s position, pointing out that white South Africans still enjoy a far higher standard of living than the Black majority, even decades after apartheid ended, highlighting just how disconnected the U.S. claims are from reality.
