The Vice President of Costa Rica, Epsy Campbell visited the Vatican and met briefly with Pope Francis.
EPSY CAMPBELL
Vice President of Costa Rica
'I was happy with the pope's commitment, the pope's greeting, not only to the president of Costa Rica, but also to the Costa Rican people. For a fundamentally Catholic country, it is a very important message. He is a leading player in seeking peace in Latin America, in Central America, but particularly in Nicaragua.'
During the meeting, Epsy Campell was accompanied by her husband and told the pope something very personal.
'Greetings from all the people of African descent in America and the Caribbean. There are more than 200 million of us.'
'Very good! Thank you!'
The vice president also met with the Vatican's number two, Pietro Parolin, and the foreign minister of the Holy See, Paul Richard Gallagher.
She says they exchanged impressions about the emigrant situation in Central America, and about the crises in Venezuela and Nicaragua. They also talked about the WYD of Panama, since Costa Rica is a transit country for those arriving by car. The country will be the official headquarters for the 'Days in the Dioceses' meetings prior to the pope's arrival.
EPSY CAMPBELL
Vice President of Costa Rica
'Costa Rica has made an extraordinary effort for inter-institutional coordination to prepare for the World Youth Day, not only because of the number of young Costa Ricans who will be going to Panama, but because the 'Days in the Dioceses' is being organized.'
The Costa Rican vice president is very satisfied with her bilateral meetings in Rome, especially her meeting with Pope Francis.
