(14 Dec 09 - RV) Pope Benedict held a series of meetings this morning. The Holy Father
had a pastoral meeting with Bishops from Belarus on their Ad Limina visit. This morning
the Holy Father also received in audience Milo Djukanovic, prime minister of Montenegro.
The prime minister subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State
Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary
for Relations with States. In the course of the cordial discussions a fruitful
exchange of opinions took place on questions concerning current international affairs,
as well as on the situation in the region and the main challenges it is facing. The
positive contribution made to Montenegrin society by the significant Catholic minority
was also highlighted. Finally attention turned to certain topics of current interest,
in particular the government's commitment to promoting peace and harmony among the
different peoples and religious confessions present in the country.