Pope meets Costa Rican president

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday received in audience the president of Costa Rica, Mrs. Laura Chinchilla Miranda. During the private meeting that lasted some 20 minutes, the Pope appeared smiling and cordial as usual. The first woman president of the Central American nation later 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 discussions the two sides highlighted the good relations that exist between the Holy See, the local Church and the State. They expressed the hope that this rapport may be strengthened by an Agreement respectful of the identity of the country and of the healthy autonomy and collaboration between civil and ecclesiastical authorities. Mention was then made of the special contribution the Church makes through her educational, social and charitable institutions. Finally attention turned to the importance of continuing to protect the fundamental dignity of human beings, from the moment of conception. The Costa Rican president, heading a delegation of four women and six men, gifted the Pope two framed artwork by Costa Rican natives depicting the natural beauty of the nation. The Pope gifted members of the delegation a pontifical medal each.