Pope receives German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Vatican City, 18 May 2013: Pope Francis received Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on Saturday in the Vatican Apostolic palace. The German Chacellor later met with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

During the cordial conversations, the long history of relations between the Holy See and
Germany was recalled and topics of common interest were focused on, including the sociopolitical, economic, and religious situation in Europe and the World. In particular, the protection of human rights, the persecution of Christians, religious freedom, and international collaboration for the promotion of peace were discussed.

There was an exchange of views on Europe as a community of values and its responsibilities in the world, with the shared desire that of all civil and religious element commit themselves to a development founded upon the dignity of the person and inspired by principles of subsidiarity and solidarity.

Source: VR Sedoc