“I thank Pope Francis for the audience at the Vatican and for the beautiful conversation on world peace,” Lula tweeted.
During the 45-minute audience the leaders expressed satisfaction over the “good relations between Brazil and the Holy See, underlining the good collaboration [...] in view of the promotion of moral values and the common good”, according to a statement from the Holy See press office.
The Argentinian pope and Lula also reportedly exchanged views on “the socio-political situation in South America, the promotion of peace and reconciliation, the fight against poverty and inequality, respect for indigenous peoples, and environmental protection,” the statement added.
Lula also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday and talked about strengthening relations between their respective countries during a meeting at the Quirinale Palace.
“We will act to bring our universities closer and expand trade between our countries,” he tweeted after the meeting.
For his part, Mattarella expressed his “great appreciation” for Lula’s “defence of democracy and parliament from an assault” that “sought to subvert the electoral results”, in reference to the January 8 attack on Brazil’s federal government buildings and parliament by supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro in an attempt to overthrow Lula.
“It was a moment of great democracy,” the president said.
Mattarella also said the visit was a chance to reaffirm the “closeness and friendship that bind Brazil and Italy and the will to further our cooperation in all spheres”.
ANSA
