Pope meets EU Commission President

Vatican City, 15 June 2013: Pope Francis received José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, at the Vatican on Saturday. According to a Holy See press release, the meeting ‘provided an opportunity for a useful exchange of views on the international situation, paying particular attention to the process of European integration, as well as the continuing economic crisis that has serious consequences on employment, especially for young persons, and a negative impact on family life.

The cordial discussion also focused on the positive contribution that the Catholic Church can offer in the current climate for Europe’s material and spiritual wellbeing. Special attention was given to the promotion of human rights, especially that of religious freedom, and the protection of Christian minorities around the world.

The Commission President later met with Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States. Source: VR Sedoc