Pope Francis meets with President of Austria

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis met Monday with the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.

Mr. Van der Bellen subsequently met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

During the cordial talks, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Austria.

The parties then turned their attention to geopolitical issues, at European and international levels, and highlighted the role of the Church in the promotion of solidarity in favour of peace and universal fraternity, in the care of creation.