Welcome to our blog where we bring you the latest news from the Vatican! This morning, on October 11, Pope Francis had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, the President of the Government of Spain, at the Apostolic Palace. The Press Office of the Holy See shared this exciting news and also mentioned that Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher were present at the meeting.
The Gift Exchange
The meeting lasted about 35 minutes and included a traditional exchange of gifts. Pope Francis presented the Spanish Prime Minister with a beautiful clay work titled “Tenderness and Love,” inspired by a homily from 2013. Additionally, the Pontiff gifted him a copy of the Message for this year’s World Day of Peace, a Document on Human Fraternity, the 2020 Statio Orbis book, and a volume on the Papal Apartments for audiences. In return, Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón gave a box of commemorative coins honoring the anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death.
Discussions at the Secretariat of State
The discussions at the Secretariat of State revolved around bilateral relations and common interests to enhance dialogue between the Church and government. Regional and international issues were also touched upon, with a focus on supporting peace amidst ongoing conflicts and addressing the migration crisis in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.
