In the afternoon of Tuesday 5 March 2019, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the Central African Republic, His Excellency Mr. Faustin Archange Touadéra, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the existing good bilateral relations were evoked, as well as satisfaction at the ratification of the Framework Agreement between the Holy See and the Central African Republic. In this context, the parties underlined the contribution of the Catholic Church in the construction of the nation and acknowledged the role of Catholic institutions in the fields of education and healthcare. Particular mention was made of the recent inauguration of the Bangui Paediatric Hospital, for which the president expressed special gratitude to the Pope.

Attention then turned to the current situation of the country, with particular reference to the recent understanding reached by the various political actors, with a view to the resolution of conflicts and the integral development of the Central African people. Commitment was encouraged in promoting peaceful coexistence and national reconciliation, as well as the effort to bring an end to every type of violence, and to make it possible for refugees to return to their homes.