This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of the Republic of Paraguay, His Excellency Mr. Mario Abdo Benítez, 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 in the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good bilateral relations and the will to further strengthen them and for the cooperation with the local Church. The challenges facing Paraguayan society were then addressed, with particular emphasis on countering poverty and overcoming inequality.

Attention then turned to other topics, such as the effects of climate change, the pandemic and cooperation between the countries of the region.