Kiribati at the Vatican

This morning, Today, the Holy Father Francis received the President of the Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Mister Anote Tong, who subsequently met with His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, emphasis was placed on the importance of the protection of the environment and on matters of climate change, which has worrying negative effects on the country, as in other Pacific States. In this regard, the hope was expressed that, on the occasion of the COP-21 to be held in Paris next December, the international Community may adopt concerted and effective measures to face this challenge.