Pope receives Equatorial Guinea president

October 25, 2013 - Pope Francis received in private audience in the Vatican President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who later met Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Dominique Mamberti. After the meetings the Vatican said the highlighted the contribution of the Catholic Church to the human, social and cultural development of the nation, especially in education and health sectors, as well as collaborating with the state to improve the living condition of the people. At the end of the talks President Obiang and Archbishop Mamberti exchanged instruments of the ratification of accord between Equatorial Guinea and Holy See. The accord signed Oct, 13 last year in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, recognizes the juridical status of the Catholic Church and her institution in the African nation. It also recognizes Church marriage, places of worship, educational institutions, spiritual assistance to Catholics in hospitals and prisons. The accord came into force with the exchange of instruments. (Source: Vatican)