VATICAN CITY, APRIL 30, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI spoke with a leader of Andorra about further consolidating relations between the Holy See and that tiny principality situated between France and Spain.
The Pope met with Albert Pintat Santolaria, president of the executive council of Andorra, today.
"The principal topic of the cordial discussions was the current relations between the Catholic Church and the Principality of Andorra, and the possibility of consolidating them further," the Vatican press office reported. "Opinions were also exchanged on the problems of young people and of education, and on questions concerning the situation in Europe."
After his audience with the Pope, the president met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
Some 90% of Andorra's 71,000 inhabitants are Catholic. In 1993, Andorra was formed as a parliamentary democracy that retains as its chiefs of state a co-principality. The two princes are the president of France and bishop of Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by co-princes' representatives.
Code: ZE07043007
Date: 2007-04-30