Text of the press release

This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 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, satisfaction was expressed at the good bilateral relations. The parties then focused on some matters of mutual interest, with special attention to the relationship between Church and State.

Attention then turned, in particular, to the war in Ukraine and the commitment to peace. Other European and international issues were also discussed, including the migration crisis and the need to provide assistance to refugees and displaced persons.