Vatican City, Nov 16, 2009 / 04:47 pm (CNA).- On Saturday, the Holy Father met with the president of Serbia and the prime minister of the Czech Republic.  With Serbian President Boris Tadić, the Holy Father discussed the country's bid to become part of the European Union.  Later, meeting with Czech Republic Prime Minister  Jan Fischer, the Pontiff emphasized the country's recent ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

First meeting with President  Tadić, Pope Benedict spoke of the challenges that face Serbia in her journey towards becoming a member of the European Union. Serbia completed the first step in being added to the EU in April 2008.

Pope Benedict also expressed the desire of the Catholic Church to contribute to Serbian society and made mention of the various factors which ensure her continued presence and contribution.  

On the same day, the Pope received Jan Fischer, prime minister of the Czech Republic. The meeting provided a chance to continue the discussions which the two had begun during the Pope’s September visit to the Czech Republic. They also discussed the Lisbon Treaty, which will come into effect on December 1.

The Czech Republic will be the final member state of the EU to sign the Lisbon Treaty.

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