Samoa at the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, His Excellency, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State of His Holiness, who was accompanied by Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, the Holy See's Under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the Parties focused on some aspects of the social and economic life of the country, as well as the valued contribution of the Catholic Church in various sectors of Samoan society and, in particular, in the field of education.

This was followed by an exchange of opinions on the international and regional situation, with special reference to the Conference on climate change currently taking place in Paris, and the environmental problems that some Pacific island states must face.