This morning, Dec. 15, 2017, Pope Francis received in audience the President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Juan Evo Morales Ayma.
According to a communique released by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions with the president whose country the Argentine Pontiff visited in July 2015, along with Ecuador and Paraguay, were cordial.
“Appreciation,” the statement said, “was expressed for the contribution the Church has given and continues to ensure in favor of the human, social and cultural progress of the population of the country, and mention was made of the updating of the framework of agreements between the Holy See and Bolivia.”
It also noted that various themes of common interest were evoked. While no specific common themes were mentioned this year, during last year’s encounter, the Vatican statement referenced ‘education, healthcare and assistance to the poor.’
After meeting with the Holy Father, the president met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
