This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Her Excellency Ms. Ingrida Šimonytė, 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 relations between the Holy See and Lithuania, highlighting the role of the Christian faith and of the Catholic Church in promoting moral values and the protection of the dignity of man and of the family.

Attention then turned to matters of mutual interest, such as cooperation between nations to overcome current challenges, accentuated by the pandemic, peace and security at regional and international level, and the current humanitarian emergencies, most recently that of Afghanistan.

From the Vatican, 3 September 2021