(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday met the President of the Republic of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez, who subsequently met with the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the discussions, which the Holy See Press Office said took place in a cordial atmosphere, the Parties focused on the collaboration between the Church and the State in facing a number of social problems, especially those pertaining to the young, the poor and the most vulnerable.

Finally, mention was made of various regional questions, in view of the forthcoming Seventh Summit of the Americas, as well as a number of international problems, highlighting the country’s commitment to peace-building.