Today the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, 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 and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, the parties focused on the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Czech Republic, and on the role of the Church in society. The hope of consolidating and further extending cooperation also emerged.

Attention then turned to issues regarding the war in Ukraine and its impact at regional and international level, with particular attention to the humanitarian situation and the reception of refugees.