March 20, 2013. (Romereports.com) Pope Francis' second meeting with a head of state was with
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
“Pleased to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
During the informal meeting, the Pope and the president exchanged jokes, each one in their native language.
“Photos, so many photos.”
“I sometimes ask myself, where do they place all these photos?”
After their meeting, they exchanged gifts as well. Rousseff gave the Pope a painting of a peace dove, while Francis gave her a framed copy of the Aparecida Document.
“You don´t have to read it all, because it can be boring. But it´s a good reference point for many anthropological and social themes of social justice.”
The document was drafted in 2007 by all of the Latin American bishops. Cardinal Bergolgio, now Pope, was as one of the writers.
“What do the Latin American bishops think about these topics?”
“Oh, they are very important!”
“You can look up the issues that interest to you. This copy is from 2007”
As Pope, Benedict XVI was planning on visiting Brazil to lead World Youth Day in Rio. So now the question is whether Pope Francis will visit the country. Brazil´s president formally invited him.
“We hope to see you for World Youth Day.”
“Remember, be firm, but tender."
Although it is widely expected that he will attend, there has been no official confirmation yet from the Vatican, but roughly 2 million youths are hoping to see the first Latin American Pope.
BR/RCarr
CTV
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