Valentina di Giorgio
(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 11.27.2023).- Despite his health condition, on the morning of Monday, November 27, the Pope received in audience Mr. Santiago Peña Palacios, President of the Republic of Paraguay. The audience took place at Casa Santa Marta.
«On behalf of the Paraguayan people, and in homage to the Craftswomen Teachers of the heroic city of Piribebuy, I presented to the Holy Father a Poncho Para’í with sixty stripes. We hope it will be declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!» said Peña Palacios in X. The president also remarked about the Pope, «His spiritual guidance and commitment to humanity inspire us to build a more solidarity and sensitive Paraguay to the needs of the people. Thank you, Your Holiness, for the warm reception.»
The Paraguayan president later met at the Vatican Apostolic Palace with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations at the Apostolic Palace.
During the discussions in the Secretary of State, which took place in an atmosphere of cordiality, appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations and the desire to strengthen them further.
The agenda included discussions on the new Paraguayan government’s program to combat poverty.
In addition, various topics of common interest were addressed, such as environmental protection, the situation of countries in the region, and the commitment to peace among nations.
During part of his visit to the Vatican City, President Peña offered a floral tribute to the image of the Virgin of Caacupé, Patroness of Paraguay, located inside the small country.
