VATICAN CITY, OCT. 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI called for international support to help the Central African Republic overcome poverty.
The Pope made this appeal Saturday, when he received in audience the president of the country, François Bozizé. After the two leaders talked for a little more than 10 minutes, the president went on to meet with the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.
The Vatican press office reported: "During the cordial discussions consideration was given to questions concerning the situation in the Central African Republic, with particular reference to the peace process and the role played by the Church in the fields of national dialogue, health care and education.
"Mention was also made of the need for the international community's support to help the country overcome poverty and the other difficulties it currently faces."
About 25% of the nation's 4 million inhabitants are Catholic. Another 25% are Protestant, 15% are Muslim, and the remaining 35% adhere to indigenous belief systems.
ZE07102210 - 2007-10-22