Audience with the president of Serbia: promote a joint solution for Syrian and Iraqi refugees

Vatican City, 11 September 2015 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father received in audience Tomislav Nikolic, president of the Republic of Serbia, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

In the cordial discussions, the good existing relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Serbia were demonstrated, and the parties considered issues of mutual interest regarding the relationship between the ecclesial and civil communities, with particular reference to ecumenical dialogue and the contribution of the Catholic Church to the common good of Serbian society.

Attention then turned to Serbia's progress towards full integration in the European Union, as well as various situations of a regional and international nature, including the condition of Syrian and Iraqi refugees and displaced persons, and the importance of promoting a shared solution to the current crisis.