Pope meets Venezuela's President

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis, Monday received in audience the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. The meeting focused on the social and political situation of the country, after the recent death of President Hugo Chávez as well as on some current issues, such as poverty and the fight against crime and drug trafficking.

Also discussed was the historical presence of the Church Catholic in the country and its decisive contribution to education, charity, health care and it was agreed that there needs to be a constant and sincere dialogue between the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Venezuela and the State, for the development of the entire nation.

Finally, the meeting focused on the regional situation, with particular reference to the peace process in Colombia.