Prime minister Stephen Harper meets with his holiness pope Benedict XVI

July 11, 2021

 

 

VATICAN CITY – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today had a Private Audience with His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. 

“It was an honour to meet Pope Benedict and hear his perspective on a number of important issues, including human rights and an ethical response to the global economic crisis,” said the Prime Minister.  “I expressed my deep appreciation for the Holy Father's moral and humanitarian leadership as an advocate of human dignity, peace and religious liberty, and for the spiritual leadership he provides to Catholics in Canada and throughout the world.” 

Pope Benedict XVI is the head of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church and spiritual leader of one billion Catholic Christians worldwide, including more than 14 million Canadian Catholics.

The Prime Minister also introduced Pope Benedict to his wife, Mrs. Laureen Harper, and their children, and to a delegation of Canadian Parliamentarians.

Following his Audience with Pope Benedict and his meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, the Prime Minister toured St. Peter’s Basilica.