Liechtenstein Royalty Visit Holy Father

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 4, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI received in an audience Liechtenstein's Prince Hans Adam II and Princess Marie and their family.

The audience was held Saturday.

The principality of Liechtenstein has declared 2007 the "Year of the Family."

"Given the sinking birthrates also in Liechtenstein and considering the difficulties many women have reconciling family and career, the government wants to turn its particular attention this year to family policy," explained a communiqué issued by the principality.

In 2001, the Holy See's permanent mission to the United Nations gave its Path to Peace award to Prince Hans Adam II.

The award was in recognition of the prince's support of human rights and the dignity of the human person.

Liechtenstein has close to 34,000 inhabitants, 76% of whom are Catholics.