According to the Vatican, on September 22, 2017, the Holy Father Francis received in Audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of Peru, H.E. Mr. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Godard, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Rev. Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States.
During the discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the good relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Peru were evoked, which will have a significant moment in Pope Francis’ upcoming Apostolic Trip to the country. In addition, some themes of common interest were considered, such as the education of the young, the protection of the environment, development and the fight against poverty. In this context, mention was made of the contribution the Church offers to Peruvian society.
During the conversation, attention turned to various regional and international situations.
The Peruvian president offered the pope an Inca stick with local colors that symbolizes the power of the indigenous leader in his community a few months before the Pope’s apostolic journey to Peru, scheduled for January 18-21, 2018, in the cities of Lima, Puerto Maldonado and Trujillo.
This gift as well as t, were handed over to the pope during the private audience in the library of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, which lasted a little more than 25 minutes.
The president also offered Pope Francis an image of the Virgin Mary unfastening the knots, executed by the Cusco School of Art, and a shirt of the Peruvian football team — noting that the Argentine Pope likely would not wear it.
After the meeting, the Peruvian president declared that the Pope’s trip was confirmed for the dates scheduled, but that «it is still necessary to define exactly where the great Mass of the Pope will take place, at the conclusion of the journey». «Everything else is determined,» he said.
Mr. Kuczynski Godard also noted that «Peru is a successful country after the 27-year period of terrorism and hyperinflation».
Regarding gender ideology in education, he said: «Men and women should have equal opportunities, they should not have an ideology in education, we are moderate which interests us is that all girls and boys have a good education to have after the life they choose. »
Speaking of Venezuela, the Peruvian president said that he had «spoken» on this subject with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, but not with the Pope: «And basically what we have said, is that humanitarian aid must be provided to Venezuela because there are many people who are sick and there are no medicines. The current government, obviously for reasons of pride, is opposed to that. It is also necessary to seek a dialogue with a view to a «transition».
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Godard has been President of Peru since July 28, 2016. Three months after the election, on October 21, 2016, the Peruvian President consecrated his country «to the love and protection of God Almighty through the» intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary «. He recited this prayer publicly during his participation in the «National Lunch of Prayer» in Lima.
