Pope Francis’ audience with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, is a significant event that underlines the close relations between the Holy See and Switzerland.

Pope Francis and President Berset had a cordial conversation with the audience, during which they discussed a number of topics of common interest, including the situation in Europe, the war in Ukraine, and climate change.

President Berset also met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Mirosław Wachowski. During the meetings, bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and the Holy See, interreligious dialogue, and the protection of human rights were discussed.

Overall, President Berset’s visit to the Holy See is a sign of the goodwill and commitment of both countries to work together to promote peace, justice, and development.

Communiqué from the Holy See Press Office:

This morning, 9 November, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Swiss Confederation, His Excellency Mr. Alain Berset, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Mirosław Wachowski, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, which took place in the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and the Swiss Confederation, highlighting the faithful and professional service rendered to the Holy Father by the Pontifical Swiss Guard and expressing hope for increased mutual collaboration in areas of common interest.

The meeting continued with a focus on some matters of an international nature, with special reference to the situation in some countries in Africa, the conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and Palestine, and the consequent commitment to multilateralism and peace among peoples.