Pope Francis received President of the Republic of Latvia, Egils Levits, today, May 10, 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 Latvia, “recalling the centenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Latvia.”

Moreover, “the parties highlighted the fundamental contribution of the Christian faith and of the Catholic Church to the promotion of an authentic humanism, open to the spiritual dimension, for the protection of the dignity of man and of the family.”

“Attention then turned to matters of mutual interest, both in the international and regional spheres, and the parties reaffirmed their desire to collaborate in the pursuit of the common good and in the promotion of a culture fostering peace and fraternity among peoples,” the statement continued.

The President subsequently met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.