SL, Vatican hope goodness for all from Pope’s visit
Saturday, 4 October 2014 00:00
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Pope Francis receives private audience with President Rajapaksa; discuss pontiff’s upcoming visit; post-war development and challenges
Pope Francis yesterday received an audience with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
“During the cordial discussions, the parties focused on the country’s current situation, with particular reference to signs of social and economic improvement, and conveyed their hope that solutions corresponding to the legitimate expectations of all citizens may be found,” a statement from Vatican said.
“In this context, both President Rajapaksa and Pope Francis expressed their hope that the pontiff’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka may be welcomed as a sign of his closeness to the Sri Lankan population and may also encourage those within the country who work for the common good, reconciliation, justice and peace,” the statement added.
President Rajapaksa, who arrived in Rome Thursday, also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for discussions.
Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from January 13-15, 2015. During his three-day visit the Pope will meet with the President, Catholic bishops, and religious and civil leaders of the country.
The Pope will hold a divine sermon at the Galle Face Green on the 14th morning and in the evening he will conduct a special sermon at the Madhu Church in Mannar.
Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II visited Sri Lanka in 1970 and 1995 respectively.
