President Heinz Fischer of Austria visited Pope Francis this morning at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
A communique released by the Vatican press office reported that their discussions highlighted the “positive bilateral relations between Austria and the Holy See.”
The Pope and President Fischer, it stated, “focused on themes of common interest, including the importance of promoting religious freedom and human rights, and commitment to interreligious and intercultural dialogue.”
The final topic of discussion was current international issues, particularly the conflicts in the Middle East.
After their meeting, the Austrian president met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, who is still acting as Secretary for Relations with States, though Nov. 8 he was appointed prefect of the Apostolic Signatura.
