Benedict XVI Receives Belgian Royal Couple

A note published by the press office of the Holy See reported: "In the course of the cordial discussions issues concerning Africa, international politics, respect for human rights and the development of peoples were treated."

"Recalling the history of the Church in Belgium, they then reflected on the importance of the canonization of Blessed Damien Jozef De Veuster and his exemplarity for Belgium and the whole world," the text added, referring to the canonization today of Father Damian, known as the Apostle of the Lepers of Molokai, Hawaii.

After the audience, King Albert II met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.