Vatican meets Germany

This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Her Excellency, Angela Merkel was received in Audience by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.  According to the established protocol for Heads of State, the German Chancellor also met with His Excellency, Dominique Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, following her audience with the Pope.

During the cordial discussion, Pope Francis and Chancellor Merkel noted the long history of the relationship between the Holy See and Germany, and focused on issues of common interest such as the current socio-political situation, as well as the economic and religious realities in Europe and in the world. In particular, they spoke of the protection of human rights, of current situations where Christians are being persecuted, as well as the importance of religious liberty and of international collaboration for the promotion of peace.

Finally, they did not miss this opportunity for a brief glance at exchanging their views on the importance of all of Europe as a Community of values, and its responsibilities in the world, calling for the commitment of all components of civil and religious authority toward the development of these values founded on the dignity of the person and inspired by the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity.