Accra, Nov. 7, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday, commended His Eminence Peter Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson for his modesty and humility that culminated in his elevation in the Catholic Church of Ghana.

"I believe it is your modesty and humility that must have captured the eye of Pope John Paul II to elevate you to this high position in the Church", he said.

President Kufuor made the observation when Cardinal Turkson accompanied by Archbishops and Bishops of the Church called on him at the Castle, Osu.

He said Ghanaians were culturally a spiritual people in their crusade to seek for righteousness when they pray daily to God to provide them with the basic necessities of life and this had been acknowledged in the elevation of Cardinal Turkson.

President Kufuor pledged Government's commitment to uplift the quality of life of Ghanaians whether within their secular or religious way of life.

He said Leadership entailed a lot of sacrifices and pledged Government's support in his new office.

Cardinal Turkson, who was introduced by Archbishop George Kocherry, Apostolic Nuncio, briefed President Kufuor about his investiture that took place in the Vatican on Tuesday, October 21.

He expressed appreciation for the solidarity and support from Ghanaians both within and outside the country since his nomination was announced on September 28.

"It is assuring and heart warming the congratulatory messages he had received and the responsibilities that would come has emphasised the beliefs and faith of Ghanaians in the Lord", he said.

Cardinal Turkson, the first Ghanaian to be elevated to that position, remains the Archbishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Church and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishop's Conference until the next plenary assembly of the Conference scheduled for Obuasi this month. He has fully served his two three-year terms.