Pope Francis meets with President of Colombia

Pope Francis holds an audience with President Gustavo Petro of the Republic of Colombia, discussing how to best promote social justice, dialogue, and reconciliation.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis received the President of the Republic of Colombia, Mr. Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego, in the Vatican on Friday.

Following his meeting with Pope Francis, the President met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions were "cordial" and highlighted "the positive collaboration between Church and State, in order to promote dialogue, social justice and reconciliation."

"Attention then turned to issues regarding the socio-political situation, the phenomenon of migration and the protection of the environment in the region," said the statement.

Pope Francis made an Apostolic Journey to the Latin American nation of Colombia in September 2017.