Pope receives president of EU parliament

(February 28, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday held private talks with the president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek and discussed the role of the Church in Europe. Buzek, the former Polish president, also met Vatican secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti. A brief Vatican statement said that during the cordial talks the two sides had a useful exchange of opinions on relations between the Catholic Church, the European Parliament and other European institutions, including also the Church’s contribution to the union. They also touched upon current issues such as the commitment to promote religious freedom and safeguarding minority Christian communities in the world.