Pope Francis received this Thursday the president of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, at the Vatican for almost an hour, for a meeting in which they discussed temas of the coronavirus pandemic, the process of constitutional reform of the trans-Andean country and the promotion of peace.
At the meeting “satisfaction was expressed for the good existing bilateral relations, as well as by the common commitment in favor of peace, social justice and the protection of the poor, the marginalized and the most vulnerable people, “reported the Holy See.
“They spoke of the internal situation of the country, paying special attention to socioeconomic development, the process of reform of the Constitution and relations with the Catholic Church, “the statement added, after the 52 minute meeting in the Private Library on the second floor of the Apostolic Palace.
According to the Vatican, “the desire for a serene collaboration was expressed, taking into account the contribution it offers to the good of the entire population in the charitable, educational and social spheres, especially in this critical period of the pandemic.”
“The talks also allowed for an exchange of views on some issues related to international and regional news and the promotion of peace and human rights in the world “, indicated the Holy See.
The meeting took place within the framework of the European tour carried out by the President of Chile. Photo: ANSA
After the meeting, Piñera gave the Pope a chess game in combarbalite, a semi-precious ornamental rock called “national stone” of the trans-Andean country.
The Papa gave Piñera a ceramic work by the artist Mauro Lo Verde that symbolizes Saint Peter in addition to his writings.
After meeting Francisco, Piñera also met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The previous meeting between the Pope and Piñera had been in October 2018 at the Vatican, amid the abuse scandal that hit the Church in the trans-Andean country.
The Chilean president arrived in Rome, Italy on Wednesday as part of a European tour in which he already met with the presidents of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and of France, Emmanuel Macron.
After seeing Francisco, the Chilean president will meet this Thursday in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and with the president of the European country, Sergio Mattarella.
With information from Télam
AFG
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