POPE

Pope Francis meets with President of Guinea Bissau

Pope Francis holds an audience with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, discussing the contribution of the Catholic Church to the common good of the country, especially in education and healthcare.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis received the president of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in the Vatican on Monday.

Following his meeting with Pope Francis, the President met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions were "cordial," and emphasized "the good relations between the Holy See and Guinea Bissau."

In addition, the statement noted, the Pope and President discussed the social situation in the country, especially "the Church's contribution to the common good, especially in the fields of education and health."

At the end of the audience, the Pope presented the President of Guinea-Bissau with a number of gifts, including a bronze sculpture, volumes of papal documents and his 2024 message for peace.