Pope receives President of Burundi

(Nov.18,2009): Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday evening received President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi. Vatican’s Press office described the brief meeting as very cordial. Later, the President of Burundi met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone, who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.
Vatican’s Press Office said the cordial meeting, touched on topics of common interest, such as the importance of mutual dialogue and respect for human rights, as key elements to building a sound society that works for the welfare of all its people. It said repeated again during the talks was the Church’s commitment to offer its contribution to the development of Burundi in the spiritual field, as well as in education and health .