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Fernandez talks with the Pope in Rome
posted on: May 21 2010 9:42 by Royston. Viewed 390 times.
Pope Benedict XVI met today at the Vatican with President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, with whom he discussed the defense of human life in all its aspects and the summit for the reconstruction of Haiti. 
The Pope and Fernandez spoke alone with the help of an interpreter for 20 minutes, and after the meeting, the Dominican president met with Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and the "foreign minister", the Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
The conversations, according to a Vatican statement, took place in a cordial atmosphere and during it Fernandez said he "has appreciated the great contribution that the Church offers the country's development, especially in education and health, where it provides particular attention to the most needy."
"It has also highlighted the importance of promoting human life from conception to natural death," added the Pope.
The Bishop of Rome and Fernandez discussed "the commitment of the Dominican authorities to address social problems afflicting their country," as well as the international and regional situation.
"In this regard, they have highlighted the role of the Dominican Republic in the organization of humanitarian aid in Haiti," the note concluded.
Vatican sources said Fernandez informed the Pope about his decision to convene a global summit next June for the reconstruction of neighboring Haiti, destroyed by the earthquake in January that claimed more than 300,000 dead.
The discussion was held at the Pope's private library and afterwards they were joined by the Presidential entourage of 15 people, including Ministers of Economy, Investment and Export Administration of the President and Deputy Foreign Minister. President Fernandez presented the Pope with a wooden rosary, typical of the country and invited him to come to the Dominican Republic.
This is the second time Leonel Fernandez met with a pope in the Vatican, he was received on January 18, 1999 by John Paul II.
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