Pope Francis meets with President of Seychelles

Communiqué of the Holy See Press Office

This morning, Saturday 16 March 2024, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of the Seychelles, His Excellency Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, warm appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Seychelles, as well as for the contribution of the Catholic Church at the service of society, especially in the welfare and educational spheres.

Finally, there was an exchange of views on the socio-political situation of the country, focusing in particular on themes of mutual interest, including environmental protection and the fight against drug use, as well as the international situation.

Exchange of gifts

At the Audience, Pope Francis presented President Ramkalawan with a bronze sculpture entitled “The Care of Creation,” along with several volumes of papal documents, including this year’s Message for Peace and a book on the “Statio Orbis” of 27 March 2020.

For his part, President Ramkalawan gifted the Pope with a bronze sculpture of turtles on the sand, as well as a traditional bamboo roof tile.