Pope Benedict XVI receives President Zatlers of Latvia

The Holy Father received the president of the Republic of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers. A statement from the Press Office of the Holy See says the Pope and the President held cordial conversation in which they discussed the good relations between Latvia and the Holy See, and the high esteem in which the Church is held in the country. The Pope and the President also discussed the current international economic climate, which has had heavy repercussions also in Latvia, and expressed appreciation for the significant contribution the Church offers to Latvian society, not only through its initiatives in the educational and social fields, but also through the presentation of its social doctrine. The statement goes on to say that throughout the discussions, emphasis was placed on the importance of safeguarding traditional values and peaceful coexistence. At the international level, mention was made of the contribution of Latvia in the promotion of peace and in areas of collaboration with the Holy See. Following his meeting with the Holy Father, President Zatlers went on to meet with the Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, who was accompanied by the secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.