(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 09.14.2023).- On the morning of Thursday, September 14th, Pope Francis received an audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace with His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium and his consort, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde. Later, they met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
During the cordial conversations held at the Secretariat of State, they expressed satisfaction with the good relations between the Holy See and Belgium, emphasizing the role of the Christian faith and the Catholic Church.
Subsequently, they discussed matters of common interest and some international issues, with special reference to Africa and the war in Ukraine, emphasizing their commitment to peace among peoples.
Queen Mathilde attended the meeting dressed in white, a privilege granted by Vatican protocol to Catholic queens.
