Economic crisis and Korean situation at the centre of talks between Pope and President Lee
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Benedict XVI and Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone received South Korea President Lee Myung-bak today in the Vatican. The effects of the world’s economic crisis and the social and political situation on the Korean Peninsula were the main topics of the cordial discussions.
“At a bilateral level,” said a press release by the Holy See said, “mention was made of the good relations that exist between the Republic of Korea and the Holy See, as well as of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, and of cooperation between Church and State in the educational and social fields.”
The private talk between the Holy Father and South Korean leader, who is Protestant, lasted almost 30 minutes. Mr Lee was accompanied by his wife, who was dressed in white, which is not in keeping with Vatican Protocol since it is allowed only for Catholic queens but not other women, who traditionally dress in black, but which is the colour of peace in Korea. At the end of the meeting President Lee introduced his wife and his retinue.
This was followed by the traditional exchange of gifts. Benedict XVI gave President Lee a key case, a signed copy of Caritas in veritate, medals of his pontificate and a lithograph of the 17th century with the picture of Saint Peter.
In return the South Korean president gave the Holy Father two giant photos: one showing the funeral of Cardinal Kim, who studied with Joseph Ratzinger in Germany and who passed away in February; the other by a famous Korean photographer showing a monk praying.
Today’s was the first visit by President Lee Myung-Bak with Benedict XVI, the third time by South Korean president with a Pope.
Earlier in the day the Pontiff met Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who gave him a wood box with six bottles of Australian Rosé wine and a book with the Australian government’s apologies to the country’s Aborigines.
Benedict XVI reciprocated by giving the prime minister a signed copy of the Encyclical Caritas in Veritate and a small coffer with a pen depicting a column by Bernini.
Rudd said he had already begun reading the encyclical.
“During the cordial discussions,” said the vatican press release, “mention was made of the Holy Father's trip to Sydney in July 2008 for World Youth Day, recollecting the great spirit of collaboration between the ecclesiastical and civil authorities that characterised the organisation of that event. Attention also focused on the current international and regional situation, with reference to both respect for religious liberty and environmental problems.”
Reporters present at the meeting said that Benedict XVI appeared in good shape and in a good mood.
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