(Nov.24,2009): Pope Benedict XVI received the Prime Minister of Kuwait on Monday.A
Vatican communiqué confirmed that the Pope and Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad
Al-Sabah held cordial discussions and they spoke of the 40-year history of excellent
bilateral relations between the Holy See and Kuwait. The communiqué noted that consideration
was given to certain questions of mutual interest, with particular reference to the
promotion of peace and inter-religious dialogue in the Middle East. It also said
emphasis was given to the positive contribution that the significant Christian minority
makes to Kuwaiti society, underlining the need for pastoral assistance to that community.
Sheikh Nasser also met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone,
who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for relations
with states. Kuwait has some 2.7 million inhabitants, 85% of whom are Muslim. There
are some 250,000 Catholics in the country.