G-8 Leaders' Wives Visit Pope

(July 09, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI was visited Wednesday 8^th of July by the wives of some of the presidents and prime ministers in Italy for the Group of Eight meeting. He used the occasion to urge these influential women to help Africa. The audience was in a room adjacent to Paul VI Hall, where the Pope held the general audience. The summit is under way in L'Aquila through Friday. Those in attendance included the wives of the presidents of Mexico and South Africa, the prime ministers of Great Britain, India and Sweden, and the president of the European Commission. Also present was Josette Sheeran, president of the United Nations World Food Programme. They were accompanied by Italian Ministers Mara Carfagna and Maria Stella Gelmini. During the general audience, speaking in English, the Holy Father asked prayers "for all those who serve in politics and the management of economies, and in particular let us pray for the heads of state gathering in Italy for the G-8 summit. May their decisions promote true development especially for the world’s poor." The Holy Father also advocated that the G-8 summit leaders make a commitment for Africa's development. After the meeting the first ladies went to the Vatican Gardens, through the Grotto of Lourdes, and then went into the Basilica of the Porta prayer and paused before the altar of the Confession of the Chair.