On Thursday 12 May, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis held a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, State Secretary of the Holy See in Rīga. During the meeting, M. Kučinskis extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit Latvia in 2018, when Latvia and other Baltic States will celebrate the centenary of their foundation.
The Cardinal expressed gratitude for the invitation, and mentioned that he will convey this message to the Pope.
At the meeting, the relations between the two parties and current events in Europe were discussed. The parties also raised the issue of asylum seekers in Europe.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Latvia and the Holy See enjoy a very good relationship. The Holy See has always supported Latvia's aspirations for independence and has never recognized Latvia's incorporation into the USSR.
M. Kučinskis also pointed out that there is successful collaboration between the State and Church in Latvia that contributes to social justice – the Church engages in strengthening social values and provides specific assistance for rebuilding the social environment.
VIDEO from the press conference.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv