00 01/06/2009 17:28



AUDIENCE FOR UKRAINE PRESIDENT

The Holy Father met today with Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko, whose visit to the Vatican was originally scheduled last year but put off at least twice due to domestic problems in the Ukraine.

The Vatican Press Office released the following statement:

"This morning, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Viktor Yushchenko, president of Ukraine. Subsequently the President, accompanied by Volodymyr Khandogiy, his ad interim foreign minister, went on to meet Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the cordial discussions attention focused on the international situation. At the bilateral level, the good relations between Ukraine and the Holy See were noted with pleasure, as were the prospects for increased collaboration in the cultural and social fields. While expressing the desire to find equitable solutions to outstanding questions between State and Church, mention was also made of the Catholic Church's contribution to Ukrainian society for education in Christian values and their diffusion."





The Holy Father receives one of the most unusual gifts yet presented to him:




Eastertide is over, and the red summer mozzetta is back!


[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 01/06/2009 17:35]