A visit with the Secretary General

Shortly after 9:00am this morning, the Holy Father travelled to the offices of the Science Academy located at the Casina Pio IV for a brief and private courtesy meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency, Ban Ki-moon, who is at the Academy of Science to deliver a speech for the opening of an international Workshop entitled: Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity.  The Moral Dimensions of Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

During their encounter, the Secretary of the United Nations - as he himself explained during a press conference which followed - demonstrated to the Pope his gratitude for having accepted his invitation to address the Assembly of the United Nations on September 25 of this year.  He also expressed his anticipation regarding the Pope's upcoming speech and the fact that he is looking forward to His Holiness' next encyclical, and he explained a few points regarding the United Nations' commitment not only to environmental concerns but also to issues of migration and the dramatic humanitarian situations in various parts of the world where conflicts are taking place.