Today’s papal audiences were an important event for the Catholic Church. Participants in the audiences represented a wide range of sectors of society, from the Catholic Church to international organisations and religious leaders. The participants’ testimonies recalled the importance of working together to address the global challenges of climate change, hunger and social injustice.

The Holy Father Francis received in audience this morning:

– Most Eminent Card. Augusto Paolo Lojudice, Archbishop of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino; Bishop of Montepulciano-Chiusi-Pienza (Italy)

Cardinal Lojudice is a pastor committed to caring for the poor and marginalised. In his audience with Pope Francis, the cardinal thanked the Holy Father for his support of the Church in Italy, particularly in his work with migrants and refugees. He also expressed his concern about the climate crisis and the need to work together to build a more sustainable future.

– Mrs Cindy H. McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP)

Mrs McCain is a committed leader in the fight against world hunger. In her audience with Pope Francis, Mrs McCain thanked the Holy Father for his support of WFP. She also expressed her concern about the increase in world hunger and the need for more food aid.

– H.E. Archbishop Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib, Archbishop of Concepción (Chile)

Archbishop Chomali is a pastor committed to promoting social justice in Chile. In his audience with Pope Francis, Archbishop Chomali thanked the Holy Father for his support of the Church in Chile, especially in its work with the poor and marginalised. He also expressed his concern about the political and social situation in Chile and the need to work together to build a more just and united future.

– H.E. Mgr. Antoine Hérouard, Archbishop of Dijon (France)

Mgr. Hérouard is a pastor committed to evangelisation in France. In his audience with Pope Francis, Mgr. Hérouard thanked the Holy Father for his support of the Church in France, especially in his work with young people and families. He also expressed his concern about secularisation in France and the need to work together to evangelise the world.