EXCELLENT BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN CHILE AND HOLY SEE

VATICAN CITY, 13 DEC 2011 (VIS) - Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, is currently visiting Chile in response to an official invitation from the government. Yesterday he met with Alfredo Moreno Charme, foreign minister, and with ministerial officials, before going on to meet with Sebastian Pinera at the Palacio de la Moneda in the nation's capital, Santiago de Chile.

  A communique made public this morning explains that during the meetings "satisfaction was expressed at the excellent state of bilateral relations between Chile and the Holy See, and at the positive contribution Catholic institutions make to Chilean society, especially in the fields of education, social work and the integration of indigenous peoples.

  "Further attention was given to themes discussed during the official visit of the Chilean president to the Vatican in March this year, when he met with His Holiness Benedict XVI. Questions of mutual interest include the defence of life from conception to natural demise, and of the family; respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and education; adherence to the principles of international law; the protection of the environment, and support for integral development and social peace. In all of these matters, the views of the Holy See and the government of Chile converged on the fundamental values of human coexistence. Opinions were also exchanged on various international issues, including the situation on Latin America".

  The secretary for Relations with States will today travel to Valparaiso, site of the National Congress, where he will meet with the presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. He will also visit the shrines of St. Alberto Hurtado and St. Terestia de los Andes.
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