Pope Benedict XVI receives
the Catholic monarchs of Belgium
Translated from
Oct. 10, 2009
This morning, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience the King of the Belgians, His Majesty Albert II, with Her Majesty Queen Paoloa.
After the Pontifical audience, His Majesty had a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Mons. Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.
They discussed issues concerning Africa and international politics, respect for human rights and the development of peoples.
Recalling the history of the Church in Belgium, they dwelt on the importance of the canonization tomorrow of Blessed Josef Daamien de Veuster, a Belgian of Flemish ancestry, and his exmaple for Belgium and for the whole world.
The Belgian King and Queen, and the King and Queen of Spain, are the only remaining Catholic monarchs in the world, along with the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg.
By traditional protocol, Catholic queens are dressed in white, with a white mantilla, when they visit the Pope.
King Albert and Queen Paola are in Rome for the canonization of Blessed Damien tomorrow.
Also a Vatican guest today:
The French Prime Minister
Translated from
Oct. 10, 2009
This morning, Saturday, the Holy Father also had a private audience with the Prime Minister of France, H.E. François Fillon.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Mons. Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.
During the conversations, the Pope recalled his trip to Paris and Lourdes last year
[at which time, it was Premier Fillon who saw him off from Lourdes with a speech that was far from perfunctory].
They spoke of the importance of the canonization tomorrow of the Blessed Jeanne Jugan, the reason for Mr. Fillon's presence in Rome.
They reviewed bilateral relations and the necessity of carrying on dialog and collaboration between the Holy See and the French Republic.
They also exchanged views on the international situation, particularly the Middle East and some African countries that were former French Colonies, in connection with the curretn special Synodal assemblt for Africa, as well as inter-religious dialog; and climate change.
They discussed the positive influence of the encylical
Caritas in veritate with respect to the global economic crisis and to the new international regulations that must be put in place for a more efficient and ethical economic system, particularly in relation to the poorer countries.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 11/10/2009 01:54]