Pope Francis received the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Algirdas Butkevičius, in an audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace today.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father and the Prime Minister of Lithuania discussed the contributions of the Catholic Church in the social and educational fields, as well as “improving awareness of spiritual values.”
“In view of the fact that the Republic of Lithuania currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, the discussions turned to various international and European matters of mutual interest,” a communique from the Holy See stated.
Also discussed was the need to ensure peace in the Middle East, particularly in Syria where civil war has plagued the nation for over 2 years.
Shortly after his meeting with the Holy Father, Prime Minister Butkevičius met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.
