Pope recives President of Brazil

(Nov.14,2008):-The fundamental role of the family in efforts to curb violence and social degradation were some of the topics Pope Benedict XVI discussed with Brazilian President Luiz inacio Lula da Silva, when he received him in the Vatican on Thursday. According to Vatican press office, the Pope and the Brazilian President analyzed certain aspects of the situation in Brazil, in particular the social policies directed to improving the conditions of life for the numerous needy and marginalized persons. The collaboration between the Church and state in the context of the promotion of moral values and the common good, not only in that country, but also in a particular way in favour of Africa were also emphasized," the Vatican communiqué added.
After the audience with the Pope, the President of Brazil met Vatican’s Secretary of State - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states. At the conclusion of the visit, the representatives of the Holy See and Brazil signed a bilateral accord that will regulate relations between the two parties.
Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, apostolic nuncio in Brazil told Vatican Radio that the agreement is historic and gives the Church a "juridical certainty" in the country. He said the accord signed, updates regulations derived from an 1890 decree. The new accord "guarantees to all of Brazil’s society, independently of culture and creed, a religious teaching in public institutions. It opens the door not just for Catholics, but also to other confessions," he added.
In addition to recognizing canonical marriage and ecclesiastical academic titles, the agreement also foresees space allotted to the Church in developing areas, where new neighbourhoods are being constructed. Brazil has more Catholics than any other country in the world. Some 74% of its 196 million habitants are Catholic; some 15% are Protestant.