This morning, 27 November, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of the Republic of Paraguay, His Excellency Mr. Santiago Peña Palacios, 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, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

During the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Paraguay, and the wish to strengthen them further. Attention then turned to the programme of the new government of Paraguay to counter poverty.

In addition, some matters of common interest were addressed, such as the protection of the environment, the situation of the countries in the region, and commitment to peace among nations.