Russia at the Vatican

Today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency, Mister Vladimir Putin, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness; and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, both Parties expressed their satisfaction at the development of bilateral relations, further strengthened by the protocol of understanding signed today regarding the collaboration between the Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital and the paediatric hospitals of the Russian Federation. They then turned their attention to various questions of relevance to the life of the Catholic Church in Russia.

The Parties went on to consider the ecological question and various themes relating to current international affairs, with particular reference to Syria, Ukraine and Venezuela.