VATICAN CITY, NOV. 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI and Mozambique's president discussed their mutual satisfaction at the work of the Church in that country, and noted that Catholics are committed to a greater presence in the university sector.
Armando Guebuza visited the Pope in the Vatican today. The president of the southeast African nation then went on to meet with the Holy Father's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.
A statement from the Vatican press office reported that "the good relations existing between the Holy See and Mozambique were noted with pleasure, as was the convergence of ideas and intentions on the contribution the Church can make to the good of the entire nation, expressing a hope for ever more solid collaboration in the field of health care and education of the young. […] In particular, the Church is committed to strengthening and developing her presence in the university sector.
"Mention was also made of the Rome Peace Agreement, the 15th anniversary of which was celebrated on Oct. 4, concurring on the need to achieve full national reconciliation. Finally the resumption of talks was proposed, with a view to an agreement between the Holy See and Mozambique."
By one estimate, about 23% of Mozambique's almost 21 million people are Catholic.
ZE07110804 - 2007-11-08