This morning, Friday 19 January 2024, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Republic of Colombia, His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Petro Urrego, who subsequently met with His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between Colombia and the Holy See, highlighting the positive collaboration between Church and State, in order to promote dialogue, social justice and reconciliation.

Attention then turned to issues regarding the socio-political situation, the phenomenon of migration and the protection of the environment in the region.

From the Vatican, 19 January 2024