Vice-President Lucia Witbooi represented the Namibian government at the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Italy, today.

This historic Mass marks the official start of Pope Leo XIV's term, following his election as the first American Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 9.

Namibia was among hundreds of countries represented at the service, which officially installed Pope Leo XIV as the leader of 1.5 billion Roman Catholics. 

Attendees included representatives from the United States, Ukraine, Australia, and Canada.

Vice-President Witbooi emphasized the importance of Namibia's presence at this significant international gathering, which strengthens the longstanding ties between Namibia and the Catholic Church, rooted in Namibia's struggle for independence.

She noted that during the struggle, the Catholic Church supported Namibia both locally and internationally, contributing to sectors such as education, health, and social upliftment—benefits that Namibia continues to enjoy today.

After the Mass, held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, Witbooi had the opportunity to greet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and presented a congratulatory message from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Namibian government, and its citizens.

On Saturday, the Vice-President laid a wreath at the tomb of the late Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Mother Mary in Rome.

The Namibian delegation, led by Vice-President Witbooi, is scheduled to return to Namibia on Tuesday.