Vatican City, Feb 9, 2018 / 07:40 am
With a papal visit to Estonia likely on the horizon, Pope Francis on Friday met the country's Prime Minister, Jüri Ratas, at the Vatican, discussing their good diplomatic ties and the contributions of the Catholic Church in Estonian society, despite its small minority.
According to a Feb. 9 Vatican communique, the "cordial discussions" included appreciation for the good diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Estonia, as well as "the positive contribution of the Church to Estonian society."
Catholics make up less than one percent of the country's population of over 1.3 million.
During their 20-minute private meeting, attention was also paid to "themes of mutual interest at a regional and supranational level, including the protection of the environment, and migration," the communique states. They also spoke about the commitment of the international community to conflict resolution.