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Haitian President of the Presidential Council of Transition (CPT), Leslie Voltaire, met with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on January 25, 2025. The meeting focused on Haiti’s ongoing political, social, and humanitarian crises, highlighting the need for international solidarity to support the nation’s recovery.
In a 20-minute audience marked by respect and spirituality, Voltaire expressed the Haitian people’s gratitude for Pope Francis’ support, particularly his advocacy for migrants. Voltaire also requested the Pope’s assistance in organizing a global solidarity conference to unite the international community in addressing Haiti’s urgent challenges, including insecurity, humanitarian needs, and poverty alleviation.
During the audience, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of unity, fraternity, and social harmony in Haiti and the wider Americas. The Pope also reiterated his prayers for the Haitian people, urging political reconciliation and collaboration to restore stability and prosperity.
Voltaire presented the Pope with photographic volumes showcasing Haiti’s cultural heritage, while the Pope gifted him a bronze bas-relief entitled “Dialogue Between Generations” and documents reflecting the Vatican’s commitment to peace.
Following the meeting, Voltaire held discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. The dialogue focused on strengthening Haiti-Vatican relations, addressing the nation’s pressing issues, and emphasizing the Catholic Church’s continued role in promoting education, humanitarian aid, and social justice in Haiti.
Voltaire used the meeting to underscore Haiti’s urgent need for global assistance. He highlighted the critical situation faced by Haitian migrants abroad, urging the international community to treat them with dignity and compassion.
The Haitian leader also emphasized the resilience of the Haitian people, stating, “Despite the hardships, Haiti continues to uphold universal values of courage, resilience, and faith.”
Voltaire’s European tour, which began in Rome, aims to bolster bilateral and multilateral partnerships for Haiti’s recovery. Following his Vatican visit, Voltaire is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on January 29.
The Vatican reaffirmed its solidarity with Haiti, with Cardinal Parolin urging the Haitian government to foster collaboration and unity for the country’s recovery. The Holy See also pledged to continue its spiritual and humanitarian support for the Haitian people, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to justice, dignity, and peace.
Voltaire’s efforts to strengthen Haiti’s ties with global partners reflect the country’s determination to overcome its current crises. As Haiti seeks to rebuild, the international community’s support will be crucial in achieving lasting peace and development.
Furthermore, Voltaire directly criticized the Trump administration’s handling of Haitian migrants, referencing the thousands being deported weekly from the Dominican Republic and the potential expulsion of 1.5 million Haitians in the United States, many of whom are protected under the Temporary Protection System (TPS).
“Trump said that Haiti is a ‘shithole,’ so I don’t think he will care about Haiti,” Voltaire stated. “With these new policies, the situation will be catastrophic. Haiti cannot handle the influx of deported individuals, especially as we are already struggling with hunger and internal displacement.”
The U.N. migration agency recently reported that internal displacement in Haiti has tripled over the past year, driven primarily by relentless gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The report warned that a collapse of basic services, including healthcare and food security, has exacerbated the crisis. Over 200,000 people were forcibly returned to Haiti last year, adding pressure to an already fragile situation.
