Pope meets Bolivian president

September 06, 2013 - Pope Francis on Friday received Bolivian president Evo Morales in the Vatican. Morales later met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti. In a statement the Vatican said the cordial talks reviewed the socio-economic and religious situation in the South American nation, as also other issues such as the fight against social inequality and poverty. The two sides also recalled the crucial contribution of the Catholic Church of Bolivia in the education and health sectors and its support to families and assistance to children and the elderly. They underscored the importance of good relations between the state and the Church for the good of the nation. On the international scene, they particularly spoke about the need to promote peace in Syria and the Middle East.