POPE RECEIVES KING OF BELGIUM, PRIME MINISTER OF FRANCE

VATICAN CITY, 10 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office published the following communique at midday today:

  "This morning the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience King Albert II of the Belgians, accompanied by his consort Queen Paola.

  "Following the papal audience, the king met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

  "The cordial discussions focused on questions concerning Africa and the international political situation, respect for human rights and the development of peoples. Turning then to consider the history of the Church in Belgium, emphasis was given to the importance of the canonisation of Blessed Jozef Damian de Veuster, and to his example for Belgium and for the whole world".

  A second communique published today by the Holy See Press Office states that the Holy Father subsequently "received in audience Francois Fillon, prime minister of the French Republic.

  "After his meeting with the Pope, the prime minister met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

  "During the cordial discussions - having recalled the Pope's recent trip to Paris and Lourdes and the importance of the canonisation of Blessed Jeanne Jugan - certain themes of mutual interest concerning bilateral relations were addressed, with the express intention of continuing along the path of dialogue and collaboration between the Holy See and the French Republic.

  "Opinions were also exchanged on a number of international questions, in particular the situation in the Middle East and in certain African States, also with reference to the current Synod for Africa, inter-religious dialogue and climate change.

  "Finally emphasis was given to the positive influence of the Encyclical 'Caritas in Veritate' with respect to the world financial crisis and to the new rules established for the correct functioning of the economy, especially as regards the poorest countries".
OP/AUDIENCE/BELGIUM:FRANCE                    VIS 20091012 (330)