Vatican City, Jun 4, 2007 / 12:09 pm (CNA).- This morning the Pope received Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, the president of Mexico in an audience. He also met with the Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the secretary for Relations with States.

The conference with the Holy Father and the two secretaries provided an occasion for the leaders to exchange views on the current international situation, with a special focus on the forthcoming G8 summit meeting. President Calderon will be attending the summit as a special guest.

"With reference to Mexico, attention first turned to certain aspects of life in the country such as emigration, indigenous peoples, and the struggle against violence and drug trafficking.

The position of the Catholic Church was also examined, above all in light of the important steps forward - already taken or yet to be taken - in her relations with the State. In this context, special mention was also made of the fact that this year marks, “the happy occasion of the 15th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Holy See.”

“President Calderon also renewed his invitation to the Holy Father to visit the country."

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