2023-11-27 20:09:53
On November 27, Pope Francis’ meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Palacios lasted for twenty-five minutes.
C. Roubini Chinnapa9 CTC, Vatican News
The meeting, which was scheduled to be held at the Apostolic Palace, was held at Santa Marta, the papal residence, due to the Pope’s current health condition.
President Palacios was accompanied by his wife and a thirteen-member delegation. The discussion focused on critical and global issues highlighting peace, environmental protection and anti-poverty campaigns. The meeting demonstrated the commitment to strengthen the existing constructive bilateral relationship between the Holy See and the Republic of Paraguay.
Following the meeting with the Pope, the President of Paraguay held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parol and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican’s Curator for Relations with Other Countries and International Organizations.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the strong relationship between the Holy See and Paraguay. The leaders also talked regarding the Paraguayan government’s efforts to fight poverty. They emphasized common concerns such as environmental protection, regional affairs, and the pursuit of peace among nations.
President Pena Palacios presented Pope Francis with a nativity scene designed by indigenous Paraguayan artisans, as well as a woolen garment (poncho) made by local artisans, a basket of Paraguayan food products, a wooden figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a silver rosary. Papa gave gifts in return. They were clasped hands of brass, representing unity, with Peter in a square background. The engraving shows a woman holding a baby and a ship full of immigrants. The ship was emblazoned with the words “Let us fill our hands with others” and contained various documents from the Pope’s sermons, including the Pope’s message for this year’s World Day of Peace.
The meeting reveals the commitment shared by the Vatican and Paraguay to address global challenges and collaborate on initiatives that promote peace, environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.
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