The prime minister of Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, was received in audience Saturday by Pope Francis. He subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
Good bilateral relations between the Holy See and Ukraine, focusing on the current situation, were a central topic during the discussions.
Hope was expressed that all the parties involved will collaborate constructively to re-establish political and social stability throughout the country, in accordance with international law, and to promote understanding between peoples in the region, the Vatican reported.
Attention turned to the specific roles that Churches, religious organisations, and believers should have in order to achieve mutual respect and harmony among all components of society and how the international community could help facilitate this. (D.C.L.)