At 10.30 this morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. George Johannes, ambassador of South Africa to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of his credential letters.

The following is a brief biography of the new ambassador:

His Excellency Mr. George Johannes
Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Holy See
Born on 24 November 1945, Mr. Johannes is married.
He holds a certificate for primary school teaching (1966), a postgraduate diploma in professional guidance (University of Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom, 1977), a doctorate in philosophy (University of Leicester), and a master’s degree in teaching for students of political economy and politics (University of London, Birbeck College).
He has held, among others, the following offices: director of international relations at the Labour Department of the National African Congress (1995); official of the Department of Foreign Affairs, DIRCO (1997); deputy high commissioner in London and Canada (1997-2003); deputy ambassador to Berlin, Germany (2004-2009); ambassador in Berne to the Holy See and Leichtenstein (2009-2014).
Foreign languages spoken: Afrikaans, English and German.