July 11, 2009. The pope and Stephen Harper talked about the crisis and its ethical implications, aid to developing countries, especially in Africa, climate change, disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.



They also spoke about the Middle East, specifically about peace and religious freedom.

The prime minister introduced his family and a delegation of parliamentarians to the pope. He gave the pope a crystal vase designed by a Canadian artist. In return, the pope gave him a pen made in the Vatican.

In a subsequent statement to the meeting, the prime minister praised the humanitarian and moral leadership of the pope as an advocate of human dignity, peace and religious freedom.  

DG