Pope Francis received President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, today, June 7, 2021, in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
According to a Holy See Press Office bulletin, during the “cordial discussions,” satisfaction was expressed for the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and Austria.
Noting “attention then turned to geopolitical issues, at European and international levels,” the statement recalled that “the parties highlighted the role of the Church in the promotion of solidarity in favor of peace and universal fraternity, and in the care of Creation.”
The President subsequently met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
