(July 13, 2009) Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper has praised Pope Benedict
XVI as a spiritual leader who promotes human dignity, peace and religious liberty.
Harper said this in a statement on Saturday after meeting the Pope and Vatican Secretary
of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone in the Vatican. The meeting took place after
the conclusion of the Group of Eight summit, which ended on Friday in L'Aquila, Italy.
Harper said it was an honour to hear the Pope’s perspective on important issues such
as human rights and an ethical response to the global economic crisis. He expressed
deep appreciation for Holy Father's moral and humanitarian leadership as an advocate
of human dignity, peace and religious liberty, and for the spiritual leadership he
provides to Catholics in Canada and throughout the world. A Vatican statement after
the meeting said the talks focussed on several issues of international politics discussed
at the G8 and on the results of the summit, even 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, climatic changes,
disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation." They also discussed peace prospects in
the Middle East and religious freedom in other countries. Canada’s involvement with
ethical values, the defense and promotion of life, marriage and family were also up
in the talks.