Pope receives Papua New Guinea leader

(Thurs.9 Oct.2008): Pope Benedict XVI received in audience in the Vatican on Wed. the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, Michael Somare. A communiqué released by the Vatican press office said that during the course of the cordial meeting, attention turned to the current political and social situation of the country, and to the significant contribution made by the Catholic Church, especially in the fields of education, human promotion, and healthcare. The communique also said that opinions were subsequently exchanged on certain themes concerning regional matters, including relations with neighbouring countries and the effect of climate change. Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania and located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The nation has 6 million inhabitants., Catholics represent 27% of the population.