This morning the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of Latvia, His Excellecy Mr Egils Levits, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the good bilateral relations, recalling the centenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Latvia, and the parties highlighted the fundamental contribution of the Christian faith and of the Catholic Church to the promotion of an authentic humanism, open to the spiritual dimension, for the protection of the dignity of man and of the family.

Attention then turned to matters of mutual interest, both in the international and regional spheres, and the parties reaffirmed their desire to collaborate in the pursuit of the common good and in the promotion of a culture fostering peace and fraternity among peoples.