This (Friday) morning the Holy Father received in audience Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser,
president of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The president subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio
Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for
Relations with States. The central theme of the cordial discussions was the role of
the United Nations Organisation, and especially of the General Assembly, in conflict
resolution. Particular consideration was given to the conflicts currently affecting
various regions of the world, especially Africa and the Middle East, and to the serious
humanitarian emergencies they provoke. Attention then turned to the Catholic Church's
contribution to peace and development, and to the importance of cooperation between
religions and cultures. Listen: