Yesterday, Pope Francis met with Mariano Rajoy Brey, prime minister of Spain at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
The Spanish Prime Minister met later on with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
According to a communique by the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father and Prime Minister Rajoy Brey discussed primarily the difficult economic-financial situation in the world that Spain, like other European countries is facing.
This situation has provoked a serious labor crisis, involving many families and particularly the young. In such a context, the Churchs nearness was expressed and the noteworthy work for those most in need that Caritas and other ecclesial charitable associations carries out was noted, the communique stated.
The Vatican press release also stated that the subject of Spains political-institutional structure was discussed, noting a need for dialogue in society. A dialogue, the communique stated, that is based on mutual respect and keeping in mind values such as justice and solidarity, in seeking the common good.
Although the meeting highlighted the good bilateral relations that exist between the Holy See and Spain, several issues of interest for the Church in Spain were discussed.
In particular, the institution of marriage and the family and the importance of religious education were discussed. Mention of the international situation, with particular attention on Latin America, was not overlooked, the communique stated.
