Republic of Congo visits the Vatican

Yesterday morning, the Holy Father received in audience, the President of the Republic of Congo, Mister Denis Sassou N'Guesso, who subsequently met with the Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin.

During the cordial discussion, the positive contribution which the Catholic Church has provided to the Congolese society was recalled, especially in the fields of assistance and education as well as the good relations currently existing between the Holy See and the Republic of Congo.  Various themes of common interest were also raised including a desire to renew bilateral collaboration.

Finally, various questions of interest to the region of Central Africa were also raised, including some issues concerning human character, with particular attention to assistance given to refugees and to regional security, particularly as tensions of a fundamental character continue to rise.