Today, 17 September 2022, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, 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 and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, the good relations between the Holy See and Cote d’Ivoire were underlined, and the parties focused on various aspects of the social and economic situation on the country in the light of the reconciliation process, as well as the valued contribution of the Catholic Church in the fields of education and healthcare.

This was followed by an exchange of opinions on the international situation, with reference to the countries of Western Africa and the Sahel region, and regional security.

From the Vatican, 17 September 2022