President Mahama congratulates Pope Francis President John Dramani Mahama has on behalf of the people of Ghana has sent a congratulatory message to the new pontiff, Pope Francis. A statement issued in Accra on Thursday, says President Mahama expresses his admiration for the new Pope, born as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, in his humanitarian efforts. “Your impressive work as champion of the poor and the vulnerable inspires hope in millions of people around the world in these challenging and difficult times,” President Mahama stated. “I have noted that we share common goals, including the need to fight against poverty, advance world peace, and encourage respect for human dignity and interfaith dialogue for the betterment of humankind,” he added. He expressed optimism the relation between Ghana and the Vatican will be strengthened under Pope Francis. GBC