Pope meets with President of the International Red Cross

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis received in audience on Monday, Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Maurer also met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Speaking to Vatican News after the encounter, Maurer highlighted the work of the International Red Cross in the world, especially amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has “accentuated and accelerated” many pre-existing problems. 

Maurer also highlighted the convergence of views, values and aspirations between the Red Cross and the Holy See, especially in support of victims of war and violence.

He pointed out, in particular, that one viewpoint that the Church and ICRC share in common is developing a vision of a society that is inclusive and which builds bridges.

The divisions in society, he said, are “painful in their consequences”, especially for the vulnerable, migrants, the poor and those displaced by war and violence, among others.

The interview with ICRC President Peter Maurer will be published in full on Tuesday morning on Vatican News and L'Osservatore Romano.