Pope Francis meets with Prime Minister of Mozambique

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis, today received in an audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Alberto Clementino Vaquina, who then met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States. During cordial talks, the Prime Minister renewed the congratulations of the Mozambican people to the Holy Father for His election as Pope. The two men spoke about the good relations existing between the Holy See and Mozambique, which were further strengthened by the bilateral agreement between the Parties, signed on 7 December 2011 and ratified last year. In particular, they focused on the positive contribution of the Catholic Church to the peace and development of the country, especially through its educational, charitable and social activities. Finally, they briefly reviewed some challenges and problems that are currently affecting southern Africa.