Vatican City, 15 April 2016 – This morning the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Juan Evo Morales Ayma, who subsequently met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

During the discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, various themes were considered regarding the current socio-economic situation of the Country, with special attention to social policy. The parties focused on the relations between Church and State, evoking Bolivia’s long Christian tradition and the decisive contribution of the Church to the life of the Nation. Reference was also made to questions of common interest, such as education, healthcare and assistance to the poor.

Attention then turned to various international situations.