Pope receives Bangladesh prime minister

Pope Benedict XVI on Nov. 18 received in private audience Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and the two exchanged opinions on the current state of Bangladesh as well as the primary challenges facing the South Asian nation. A brief statement by the Holy See Press Office said the conversation touched on the current efforts in Bangladesh to promote a society open to and respectful of human rights and also referenced the relationship between church and state authorities. Attention was given to the valued contributions that the Catholic Church has made to Bangladeshi society through education, healthcare, social life and general assistance. Later, Sheikh Hasina was received by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.