This morning, the Holy Father received in audience:

- His Excellency Mr. Chiba Akira, ambassador of Japan, on his farewell visit;

- Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, titular of Gradisca, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See; with the Reverend Sr. Raffaella Petrini, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State;

- His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the General Secretariat of the Synod;

- Members of the Joint Committee of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and representatives of the Christian Churches of Europe;

- His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, and entourage;

- Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung of Seoul, Korea;

- Participants in the General Chapters of:

  - The Religious of Jesus and Mary;

  - Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinians).