May 19, 2014 - Pope Francis on Monday received in private audience King Hamad bin
Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrein, who later met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro
Parolin along with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique
Mamberti. The Vatican said that the cordial talks reviewed some issues of common
interest, especially the commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, and
also the promotion of dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the various components
of society. The two sides also acknowledged the positive contribution of the minority
Christian community in Bahrein, and appreciated the King’s personal involvement in
the needs of the local Catholic community.
Also on Monday, Pope Francis welcomed
to the Vatican Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, who subsequently met with Cardinal
Parolin and Archbishop Mamberti. A Vatican statement said, “During the cordial discussions,
mention was made of the recent canonization of John Paul II, and the relevance of
this event for the Polish nation.” Tusk expressed pleasure at the Pope’s planned
visit to Poland in 2016, on the occasion of World Youth Day. The two sided focused
on the social and economic situation of Poland. They also exchanged views on the
current international situation, especially “the persistent tensions in eastern Europe.”