Saturday morning, Pope Francis received the President of Argentina in audience in the Vatican.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, Francis received President Mauricio Macri, accompanied by his wife, Juliana Awada, and little girl, and their discussions were cordial.
According to the statement, their talks «demonstrated the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Argentine Republic.
It also noted that themes of common interest were considered, such as assistance for integral development, respect for human rights, the fight against poverty and drug trafficking, justice, peace and social reconciliation.
«In this context,» it added, «the positive contribution of the episcopate and Catholic institutions in Argentine society was reiterated, especially in the fields of human promotion and the formation of the new generations, and particularly in the current economic climate.»
Reference was also made to various issues of broader significance and interest at regional and global level.
After meeting with the Pope, the president met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
