This morning, Pope Francis received the President of the Republic of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, in audience.

According to a communique released by the Holy See Press Office, during the “cordial” discussions, appreciation was expressed for their existing good bilateral relations.

Moreover, the statement specified, “the parties spoke about the domestic situation in the country, with particular reference to humanitarian and security issues, endangered by the spread of religious radicalism and terrorism.”

“Reference,” it continued, “was then made to various matters of regional and international interest, including growing food insecurity in the Sahel region, the phenomenon of migration, and peacekeeping in western Africa.”

Mali’s President subsequently met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.