Gonsalves returns tomorrow from official visit to the Vatican

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is expected to return to the State tomorrow, following an official visit to the Vatican.{{more}}

On December 19, the Prime Minister and his delegation met with Pope Francis, who was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013.

After his audience with the Pope, Gonsalves met with Vatican secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

The Official Vatican Network said “the colloquial discussions focused on matters of common interest such as the defence of life and the family, education and interreligious dialogue.

“Finally, mention was made of various issues regarding the countries in the area and collaboration within the ambit of regional organisations.”

The Prime Minister’s delegation included Eloise Gonsalves, wife of the Prime Minister; Wafic Said, Non-Resident Ambassador of SVG to the Holy See and Rosemary Said; Rhonda King, SVG Ambassador to the UN; Claudia Harris, the Prime Minister’s mother-in-law; Isis, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves, three of the Prime Minister’s children and Adrian De Freitas, a representative of the Catholic Community.

A release from Communications consultant in the Prime Minister’s Office Elson Crick said the State is meeting the travel expenses of the Prime Minister, his wife, Ambassador King and Adrian De Freitas. The Prime Minister is meeting the travel expenses of his three children, as well as his mother-in-law. Non-resident Ambassador Said is meeting the travel expenses for himself and his wife.

Pope Francis is the first Pope of the Americas. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 77-year-old Pontiff is a native of Argentina.