San José, Costa Rica, Feb 9, 2010 / 22:55 pm
Archbishop Hugo Barrantes Urena of Costa Rica sent his greetings to the country’s first female president, Laura Chinchilla, reminding her of the need for collaboration between the Church and the State. The new president responded by expressing her commitment to defending and promoting Christian values.
Radio Fides, the official radio station of the Archdiocese of San Jose, released a phone conversation between the archbishop and the president-elect. The prelate congratulated Chinchilla adding that he was proud she would become “the first female president to lead us in the executive branch...My prayer is with you.”
He went on to note that “the Church and the State are independent but not indifferent to each other.” For this reason, he continued, “those programs in which the human being is at the center will always have our support.”
“May God enlighten you so your policies will embrace those most in need. I know that you are a worthy person and of your great intentions to make Costa Rica better.”