The Holy Father Francis received today in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, 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 discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the Parties evoked the existing good relations between the Holy See and the Central African Republic, recently strengthened by the Framework Agreement between the Holy See and the Central African Republic, signed in Bangui on 6 September 2016, and gratitude was expressed for the particular attention with which the Holy Father and the Catholic Church accompany the life of the country.

Attention then turned to the national situation, with particular appreciation for the positive efforts made to restore political and institutional stability. With reference to the most recent developments and problems in various regions of the country, and the grave humanitarian consequences, the Parties expressed their hope for an increasingly fruitful collaboration between the various forces in favour of the common good of the entire nation, recalling moreover the important role played by the international community in promoting peaceful coexistence and national reconciliation.