Today the Holy Father received in audience His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Parties 25 years ago was recalled with satisfaction, as was the intention to develop further bilateral cooperation. In this context, the appreciated contribution of the Catholic Church in many sectors of Gabonese society,  especially in the field of education, was also highlighted.

Attention then turned to some aspects of the economic and social situation of the country, and themes of an international and regional nature were considered.