CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MEETS THE HOLY FATHER

Posted by Marilynn Hughes Jul 13, 2009

VATICAN CITY, 11 JUL 2009 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

"This morning His Holiness Benedict XVI received Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada, who afterwards met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary of the Section for Relations with States.

"The friendly conversation focused on several issues of international politics discussed at the G8 and on the results of the summit, also in the light of the new Encyclical 'Caritas in Veritate', and particularly the economic and financial crisis and its ethical implications, aid to developing countries, especially Africa, climate change, disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.

"Attention was given also to the Middle East and to the future prospects for peace in the region, as well as to religious freedom in several countries.

"With regard to Canada, the conversation involved ethical values, the defence and promotion of life, marriage and family".