October 13, 2011. (Romereports.com) For roughly 23 minutes, the pope met with the president of Honduras at the Vatican. Benedict XVI told president Porfirio Lobo, he was glad there was more stability now in his country.


Lobo was elected president during a time of political uncertainty in Honduras, after former president Manuel Celaya was forcefully removed from office by a coup.

The pope and the president spoke behind closed doors during their short meeting. During the conversation, the pope emphasized how that Central American country needs  reconciliation and respect as it looks forward.

According to the Vatican, they also spoke about the contributions of the Church when it comes to national development, education and health in Honduras.

After the meeting, president Lobo gave the pope an etched box, with the image of the Last Supper. The gift was made by Honduran artists. In turn, the pope gave the president a medal of his pontificate.  
The president is divorced. So, because of protocol, his wife did not accompany the president to his meeting with the pope during their official meeting.  She did however, meet him later on.

After the friendly meeting with the president, the pope left this message for the country of Honduras.

“God bless Honduras.”


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