The President of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT), Leslie Voltaire, met with Pope Francis on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The critical situation in Haiti was the central focus of this private audience.
During the 20-minute meeting, the discussions revolved around the multidimensional crisis affecting Haiti, particularly the insecurity and armed violence that plague the country.
At the conclusion of the exchange, Pope Francis presented Leslie Voltaire with a bronze relief titled Dialogue Between Generations, along with several pontifical documents, including a book on the Statio Orbis of March 27, 2020, and a volume about the papal apartment. In return, Mr. Voltaire offered the Pope photographic books showcasing the richness of Haiti’s culture and heritage.
Following the audience, Mr. Voltaire held discussions with high-ranking Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. These talks addressed Haiti’s humanitarian, security, and economic challenges.
The Advisor-President emphasized the critical role of the Catholic Church in addressing Haiti’s dire situation and highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between Haiti and the international community. After his visit to the Vatican, Leslie Voltaire is scheduled to travel to France to meet with President Emmanuel Macron.
In a statement, the Presidency announced that the CPT President is currently on an official tour of Europe from January 25 to 31, 2025, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation and mobilizing crucial support to address the country’s many challenges. He is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste.
During this tour, Leslie Voltaire plans to address several major issues, including security, humanitarian assistance, and economic recovery. These meetings aim to establish concrete partnerships to help Haiti overcome its current crisis.
This tour is part of the CPT’s strategic roadmap, which focuses on several key priorities:
- Restoring Security and Managing the Humanitarian Crisis
In the face of gang violence and persistent instability, Haiti is seeking international support to bolster its defense capabilities and ensure the safety of its population. - Institutional Reform and the Restoration of Democracy
Organizing general elections is a vital step toward providing the country with stable and credible institutions. Additionally, modernizing governance and strengthening the rule of law are priorities to ensure a sustainable and structured future.
Through this tour, Leslie Voltaire hopes that Haiti can secure significant support to address the immense challenges the nation faces and pave the way for national reconstruction.