Santiago.- The Vatican envoy to Dominican Republic on Fri. said he’s confident that Pope Francis will accept the invitations of the Government, the Dominican Episcopate and his own to visit the country.

Ghaleb Moussa Abdalla Bader also stressed the Pope’s solidarity, affection and respect for the Dominican people.

“The Dominican Republic is blessed by the Holy Father and that he has great appreciation for this land. Thank God Dominican Republic is backed by the affection of the Holy Father,” the prelate said.

The Vatican’s representative spoke with journalists during a meeting Friday with mayor Abel Martinez and 21 ambassadors, as well as other authorities and personalities.