On the eve of the State visit to Naples to withdraw the “Premio Mediterraneo Istituzioni”, Uruguay’s President Jose Mujica has had a private conversation with Pope Bergoglio who, in the end, he said: “I am very happy to have met a wise man”
The private meeting lasted 44 minutes and without an interpreter between the Pope and Uruguay’s President Jose Mujica and is the longest longest interview so far granted by Pope Bergoglio to a head of State in private.
After speaking with the Pope, the President of Uruguay had met after the Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Monsignor Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for relations with States. “The cordial talks – referring a statement from the Vatican Press Office – have allowed an exchange of information and reflections on socio‑political situation of the country and its role in the region. In this regard were addressed themes of common interest, such as the integral development of the person, respect for human rights, justice and social peace. Did not fail to recognise the contribution made by the Catholic Church to the public debate on these issues, as well as to international peace, as well as his service to the entire society, especially within educational and welfare “. After the meeting, said the Director of the Holy See Press Office, father Federico Lombardi, the Pope said he was “very happy to have met a wise man”.
President Mujica, tired from the tour de force of these days – which saw him in China, Spain and other countries – is left for Spain.