Pope Benedict XVI receives President of Austria.

(5 Oct.2006): -Pope Benedict XVI received in audience Thursday, 5^th Oct. the President of the Federal Republic of Austria - Mr Heinz Fischer. During the brief cordial meeting, the Pontiff and the Austrian President discussed topics on the activity of the Catholic Church in Austrian society and expressed satisfaction on the good relations existing between the Holy See and Austria. They also dwelt on themes on a world level, especially that of the promotion of dialogue between cultures and religions, in particular between Christianity and Islam, and the refusal of any form of terrorism. President Heinz renewed an official invitation to the Pope to visit the Marian Sanctuary of Mariazell next year, which the Pontiff accepted willingly. Mr Fischer also met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone.