(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 05.04.2024).- On the morning of Saturday, May 4th, Pope Francis received in Audience, at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mrs. Viola Amherd, who subsequently met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations and collaboration between the Holy See and the Swiss Confederation, including regarding the renovation project of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Quarters, whose generous service to the Pope and the Holy See was emphasized.
In this regard, the Swiss president posted on her social media: «Switzerland supports the reconstruction of the quarters and the recruitment of new Swiss Guards.» And regarding the topics discussed with the Pope, she wrote: «During my audience with Pope Francis, I spoke about the civil war in Sudan, the common commitment to international humanitarian law, and against the death penalty.»
Subsequently, the conversation focused on some international issues, with special reference to conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and the necessary effort to promote peace in the pursuit of a diplomatic solution that leads as soon as possible to the cessation of hostilities. Regarding this meeting, the Swiss president wrote on her social media: «During the meeting with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, I spoke about #UAPeaceSummit, as well as the current situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan. We also discussed the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.»
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