Pope Francis on October 22, 2018, received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Rev. Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-Secretary for Relations with States.
During the discussions, which took place in what the Vatican called a cordial atmosphere, satisfaction was expressed for the good bilateral relations. In such a context, the contribution of the Holy See and the local Church in the peace process and in favor of the reconciliation of the Colombian people was evoked. In addition, the importance of constant dialogue between the Church and the State to face current social challenges was underlined, with special reference to matters of mutual interest such as the protection of life, the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, the promotion of legality and care for the environment.
Finally, there was a fruitful exchange of views on the political and social situation of the region, with special attention to migrations.
