PRESIDENT OF GREECE INVITES POPE TO VISIT HIS COUNTRY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 25, 2001 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made last evening by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls after the visit to Pope John Paul by Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos:

"The meeting allowed for an exchange of opinions, quite cordial and in depth, on various current topics, with reference to the cultural roots of the European tradition.

"The president formally invited the Pope to visit Greece. The Holy Father thanked his guest, saying he hoped that one day, in the footsteps of St. Paul, he would be able to make this visit.

"President Stephanopoulos was then received by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state. There was an ample exchange of opinions on the relations between the State and the Catholic Church in Greece, with a view to an eventual visit by the Holy Father to that country. The commitment was renewed for a close collaboration among believers for the spiritual progress of Greece and of Europe."

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