This morning Pope Benedict XVI received the Prime Minister of Italy Mario Monti in
a private audience.
After the pontifical audience the Prime Minister, with
the ministers for Foreign and European Affairs, met with the Vatican’s Secretary of
State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, accompanied by the Undersecretary for Relations with
States, Monsignor Ettore Balestrero.
In the course of their talks, the Holy
Father and the Prime Minister discussed the social situation of Italy and the challenges
for the government, as well as the contribution of the Catholic Church to the life
of the country. They also considered worldwide events, as well as the current situation
in Europe and the Mediterranean area. Finally, they emphasized the need to protect
religious minorities – and especially Christians – throughout the world.
Both
parties confirmed their desire to continue collaborating in a constructive way, within
the broader context of international relations.