The following is a Vatican statement on the meeting this morning between Pope Francis and Prime Minister Shinzō Abe.
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This morning, 6 June 2014, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the prime minister of Japan, His Excellency Mr. Shinzō Abe, who subsequently went on to meet with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions, the good relations between Japan and the Holy See were evoked, as well as the understanding and collaboration between the Church and State in the fields of education, social welfare and healthcare.
The conversation then turned to several current regional and international themes, with particular reference to initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Asian continent, Japan’s commitment to cooperation for development, especially in Africa, attention to the environment, and nuclear disarmament.
[Vatican working translation]
