Pope receives Romanian President

(Vatican Radio) On Friday, Pope Benedict XVI received His Excellency Mr. Traian Basescu, President of Romania, in private audience.

The President later met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

The talks, which were held in a cordial atmosphere, examined the good relations between Romania and the Holy See. In particular, the successful cooperation at a European level to safeguard common values were highlighted ​​and focus was placed on prospects for cooperation between the Catholic Church and the Romanian State in education.

Some issues affecting the Catholic communities in Romania were also discussed and the Catholic Churches’ contribution to the integration of the Romanian communities abroad was recognized.