Pope Francis today received in two separate private audiences at the apostolic palace the President of Panama and the Head of the Government of Andorra.
The meeting between Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez and the Pope took place “in a cordial atmosphere,” the Vatican said in a communique. “The Parties focused on the collaboration between the Church and the State in facing a number of social problems, especially those pertaining to the young, the poor and the most vulnerable.”
It added: “Finally, mention was made of various regional questions in view of the forthcoming Seventh Summit of the Americas, as well as a number of international problems, highlighting the country’s commitment to peace-building.”
President Varela then went on to meet Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
Afterwards, the Pope met the head of government of the Principality of Andorra, Antoni Martí i Petit.
“The cordial discussions brought to the fore the traditional good relations between the Holy See and the Principality of Andorra, consolidated by the Agreement ratified on 12 December 2008, which aimed to develop mutual collaboration between the Catholic Church and the State,” the Vatican said in a communique.
“The Parties then focused on various themes of common interest in the social sphere,” it added.
Petit then met Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
