Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Pope Francis in private audience on June 11. They discussed ways of strengthening relations between Canada and the Holy See with a particular emphasis on working together to defend religious freedom around the world, including the plight of Christians in the Middle East, Eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Africa.
Prime Minister’s visit to the Holy See was part of a broader trip to Europe from June 6 to 11 that also included stops in Ukraine, Germany for the G-7 Summit, Poland and Italy. They also discussed Aboriginal affairs in which Catholic schools were involved in abuse.
The Prime Minister also invited Pope Francis to consider visiting Canada in 2017 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Harper also met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States. He expressed Canada’s appreciation for the role the Holy See is playing in promoting peace, interfaith dialogue and human rights worldwide. Prime Minister Harper also highlighted Canada’s role in newborn and child health in the poorest countries.
“It was an honour to meet His Holiness Pope Francis and discuss a broad range of pressing global issues,” said Harper, “including the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East and ongoing violence in Ukraine.”
All the world wondered… Revelation 13:3
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