This morning, 9 November, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Swiss Confederation, His Excellency Mr. Alain Berset, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Mirosław Wachowski, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, which took place in the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and the Swiss Confederation, highlighting the faithful and professional service rendered to the Holy Father by the Pontifical Swiss Guard and expressing hope for increased mutual collaboration in areas of common interest.

The meeting continued with a focus on some matters of an international nature, with special reference to the situation in some countries in Africa, the conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and Palestine, and the consequent commitment to multilateralism and peace among peoples.

From the Vatican, 9 November 2023