Pope Francis received the President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, this morning, May 13, 2021, in the Vatican.

The Vatican released a brief statement in Italian and Spanish following the event.

“This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received the President of the Argentine Republic, Mr. Alberto Fernández, in the Study of Paul VI Hall.”

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

“During the cordial discussions with the Superiors of the Secretariat of State,” the statement continued, “appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations existing and the intention to further develop collaboration in sectors of mutual interest.”

“They also focused on the situation of the country, with particular reference to some problems such as the management of the pandemic emergency, the economic-financial crisis and the fight against poverty, noting, in this context, the significant contribution that the Catholic Church has made, offered and continues to insure.”

“Finally, some regional and international themes were mentioned,” it concluded.

All photos are Vatican Media copyright.