Pope Francis meets President Morales of Bolivia in the Vatican

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received in audience the Bolivian head of state Juan Evo Morales on Friday and held talks on bilateral and international issues. A communique from the Holy See’s Press Office described the talks as cordial and said the two leaders discussed the socio-economic situation in Bolivia and the struggle against social inequality and poverty. They also discussed the important role played by the Catholic Church in Bolivia in the field of education, healthcare, family support and welfare provision for children and the elderly.

The communique said the two men also agreed on the importance of good relations between the Church and the State, especially regarding matters of common interest in the service of the whole nation. The Pope and the Bolivian President also discussed international issues and in particular the promotion of peace in Syria and the Middle East. Following his audience with the Pope, President Morales met the Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.