HOLY FATHER RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Vatican City, 15 June 2012 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

"This morning the Holy Father received in audience Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, president of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. 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 central theme of the cordial discussions was the role of the United Nations Organisation, and especially of the General Assembly, in conflict resolution. Particular consideration was given to the conflicts currently affecting various regions of the world, especially Africa and the Middle East, and to the serious humanitarian emergencies they provoke.

"Attention then turned to the Catholic Church's contribution to peace and development, and to the importance of cooperation between religions and cultures".