This morning, 17 June, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Her Excellency Mrs. Angela Merkel, 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 good relations and fruitful collaboration between the Holy See and Germany were evoked. Issues of common interest were then addressed, with special regard for the upcoming G20 meeting in Hamburg, and the parties agreed on the need to dedicate special attention to the responsibility of the international community in combating poverty and hunger, the global threat of terrorism, and climate change.

Special remembrance was reserved to the former Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who died yesterday, and his tireless work in favour of the unification of Germany and the unity of Europe.