France comes to the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the President of the French Republic, His Excellency, Mister François Hollande, who met afterward with His Excellency, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, and His Excellency, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussion, the contribution of religion to the common good was discussed.  Recalling the good relations that exist between France and the Holy See, their mutual commitment to maintaining regular dialogue between the State and the Catholic Church was reaffirmed, as well as their commitment to constructive cooperation in the matters of common interest.  In the context of defence and the promotion of the dignity of the human person, a few matters currently of interest were also discussed, such as the family, bioethics, the respect for religious communities and the protection of places of worship.

The conversation continued on themes of an international nature, such as poverty and development, migration and the environment.  In particular, it focused on the conflicts in the Middle East and in some areas of Africa, hoping that in different countries, passive social coexistence can be re-established through dialogue and the participation of all sectors of society, by respecting the rights of all people, especially ethnic and religious minorities.