Benedict XVI has received the president of Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa. In a statement, the Vatican also emphasizes the need to care for "the basic needs of the deeply affected civilian population," and to continue guaranteeing religious freedom.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Consolidating the path of dialogue," caring for the needs of the civilian population in Sri Lanka, and guaranteeing religious freedom: these are the points emphasized by the Holy See in a statement referring to the visit to the Vatican by the president of the island, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who met with Benedict XVI and the cardinal secretary of state, Tarcisio Bertone.

"The cordial discussions," the statement reads, "took into consideration the present situation in Sri Lanka in order to underline the necessity of meeting the basic needs of the deeply affected civilian population and consolidating the path of dialogue and negotiation, which is the only way to reach a just and lasting political solution to the ongoing conflict."

"The hope was also expressed that the Catholic Church would continue to enjoy the full right to religious freedom, thus enabling her to make a significant contribution to the life of the country through her religious witness, her educational, health-care and charitable initiatives, and her commitment to work for the common good, reconciliation and peace."

The president, wearing a traditional white ceremonial garment and a fucsia scarf, had a private conversation with the pope lasting about 15 minutes. His wife, who is Catholic, while the president is Buddhist, wore a black and gold sari and a shawl. The other women in the visiting party wore variously colored saris. At the end of the meeting, the president gave the pope two brass candlesticks. Benedict XVI reciprocated with the gift of a pen in the shape of a column.

PHOTO: Credit CPP

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