(VIS) This morning, in the study adjacent to Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis received King
Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, who then went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary
of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for
Relations with States. During the cordial discussions the Parties remarked on the
good relations between the Holy See and Spain, which have been increasingly consolidated
in the spirit of the 1979 Agreements. In this context, mention was made of some current
issues regarding the Church’s mission in society and the situation of the country. This
was followed by an exchange of views on matters of an international nature, with special
reference to various situations of crisis.