Vatican meets Italy

This morning, the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, paid a visit to His Holiness, Pope Francis.  This meeting was followed by a second encounter between the Italian Head of State, accompanied by Her Excellency, Ms. Emma Bonino, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Emenince, Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, along with His Excellency, Dominique Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed with regard to the current good relations enjoyed between the Holy See and Italy.  In particular, certain subjects were discussed, including the Italian social situation and the contribution of the Catholic Church to the life of the country.  Also spoken of was an examination of certain aspects which characterize the current international situation, such as the preoccupation with the deteriorating relations and conflicts currently taking place in various areas of the Medeteranian countries and the instability of the North African countries, which challenge the oldest of Christian communities.

The two parties confirmed their willingness to continue constructive collaboration between their respective authorities and in the context of the international community, above all as concerns the promotion and the protection of religious liberty.