Pope receives Spain’s PM

15 April, 2013 - Pope Francis on Monday received in the Vatican Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and exchanged views with him on current issues of the world. Rajoy later met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti. A Vatican communique said that during the cordial talks the two sides exchanged views on the world’s economic and financial crisis that is also hitting Spain and other countries, with serious repercussions in the employment sector involving many families, especially the young. In this regard the Church’s closeness with the people was expressed, particularly acknowledging the noteworthy contribution of Caritas and other Church charities towards the needy. The talks also referred to the current political and institutional structure of Spain, recognizing the need for dialogue in society and among its among its various components, based on mutual respect and values such as justice and solidarity in search for the common good. Both the Holy See and Spain acknowledged good relations between them, and in this regard talks also dwelt upon the institution of marriage and family and the importance of Catholic education. They also talked about the international situation, with particular attention on Latin America.