Pope meets Bahrein King, Polish PM

May 19, 2014 - ‎Pope Francis on Monday received in private audience King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrein, who ‎later met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin along with Vatican Secretary for Relations ‎with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti. The Vatican said that the cordial talks reviewed some ‎issues of common interest, especially the commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, and ‎also the promotion of dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the various components of society. ‎The two sides also acknowledged the positive contribution of the minority Christian community in ‎Bahrein, and appreciated the King’s personal involvement in the needs of the local Catholic ‎community.

Also on Monday, Pope Francis welcomed to the Vatican Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, who subsequently met with Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Mamberti. A Vatican statement said, “During the cordial discussions, mention was made of the recent canonization of John Paul II, and the relevance of this event for the Polish nation.” Tusk expressed pleasure at the Pope’s planned visit to Poland in 2016, on the occasion of World Youth Day.‎ The two sided focused on the social and economic situation of Poland. They also exchanged views on the current international situation, especially “the persistent tensions in eastern Europe.‎”