VATICAN CITY, 12 NOV 2011 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:
"This morning His Holiness Benedict XVI received in audience Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council. The president subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
"The discussions, which took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality, provided an opportunity for a fruitful exchange of opinions on the international situation, and on the contribution the Catholic Church wishes to make to the European Union.
"In the course of the meeting, attention also turned to the promotion of human rights and, in particular, of religious freedom".
OP/ VIS 20111114 (130)
“Received in audience” suggests that the Pope considered himself senior to the President of the European council and more to the point, the President meekly accepted that position.
ReplyDeleteSurely in this modern age the “audience” (what an old fashioned term for a meeting) should have been the other way round?
Jack Harrison