Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "The achievement of solutions corresponding to the legitimate aspirations of all citizens" of Sri Lanka was invoked by Pope Francis in his audience today with the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was subsequently received by the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
A Vatican communiqué reported that during the "cordial discussions the current situation in the country, with particular reference to the signs of social and economic improvement" were discussed. The hope was also expressed "that the forthcoming apostolic visit of the Holy Father (scheduled January 13 to 15 next, ed) be welocmed as a sign of closeness to the people of Sri Lanka and as an encouragement to those who work for the common good, reconciliation, justice and peace. "
President Rajapaksa, who was accompanied by an entourage of 21 people, wearing the traditional white tunic with a red scarf around his neck, gifted the Pope a large porcelain teapot with cups and a few tins of tea. In turn Pope Francis gifted the President a medal of the angel of peace.
