Pope Francis meets with President of Tanzania

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis received the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in the Vatican on Monday.

Following her 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 highlighted the "existing good relations" between Tanzania and the Holy See.

In particular, they recalled "the important role that the Catholic Church plays in the country in favour of the population, especially in the charitable, educational, and healthcare spheres."

Attention, the statement noted, turned to the social context in Tanzania and "the challenges the country is required to face."

Finally, discussions focused on the regional situation and international current affairs, and both parties expressed their mutual wish for an "ever greater commitment to the promotion of peace."

The United Republic of Tanzania is in East Africa, within the African Great Lakes region.

Pope Francis meets with President of Tanzania