Pope meets German president

December 07, 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI received German president Joachim Gauck, in the Vatican on Thursday. Later Gauck also met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Monsignor Ettore Balastrero, under-secretary for Relations with States. A communique by the Vatica n press office said the talks underscored the cordial relations that exist between the Holy See and Germany. Cardinal Bertone and President Gauck also spoke regarding "Christian view of the person, as well as the challenges currently posed by globalization and the secularization of society. "This was followed by a fruitful exchange of opinions on the international situation and the current economic crisis, especially in relation to its consequences in Europe, and the contribution that the Catholic Church may offer," the communique stated.