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.