Latvia at the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency, Mister Andris Bērziņš, President of the Republic of Latvia, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the existing good relations between Latvia and the Holy See were evoked, as well as the positive contribution made by the Catholic Church to society, especially in the fields of education and social welfare.

Mention was then made of various aspects of life in the country, as well as international matters of common interest, particularly in view of Latvia’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, from 1 January 2015. Special attention was paid to the situation in Ukraine, in the hope that a political solution, based on law, may be sought through dialogue.