Canada's Prime Minister praises Pope

(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.