.- The President of Brazil had the opportunity to meet with Pope Benedict XVI this morning at the Vatican, where the two heads of state discussed the need to continue promoting the role of the family in combating "violence and social decay."
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and the Holy Father spent their time discussing the situation in Brazil, especially "social policies that seek to improve the living conditions of the many people." The solution to these difficulties, they agreed, is to "favor the fundamental role of the family," which should lead the fight "against violence and social decay."
The Holy See also expressed its pleasure at the concordat signed between itself and Brazil in May 2007. The new agreement solidifies the juridical status of the Catholic Church in Brazil, addresses the teaching of religion in State schools, canonical marriage and how the Church operates under the Brazilian financial system.
The president of Brazil also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
