.- Friday morning, Pope Benedict received Geir H. Haarde in audience. Prime Minister Haarde met with Cardinal Bertone and the secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
During the discussion, “the mutual respect and esteem marking relations between Iceland and the Catholic Church were noted, as was the contribution the Church makes to society, especially in the educational and social fields.”
They also discussed international issues “highlighting the need for an ever greater commitment on the part of the international community to promote peace, fight against poverty, and favor environmental protection."
