Lithuania at the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency, Gitanas Nausèda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the parties evoked the good bilateral relations and the contribution of the Church to society during the country’s troubled history and in the face of current socio-economic challenges. They then focused on issues of mutual interest, such as the promotion of the family, acceptance and social justice.

Finally, attention turned to several matters of a regional and international nature, such as peace and security, the conflict in Ukraine, and the need for greater solidarity between European nations in order to face the various challenges that affect the Continent.