Pope Francis on Thursday received in audience in the Apostolic Palace, Mr. Filip Vujanović, President of the Republic of Montenegro. A statement from the Vatican Press Office said the President subsequently met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

The statement described the talks as “cordial” and said satisfaction was expressed for the good status of bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Montenegro. These relations, the statement reads, “have been further strengthened by the Fundamental Agreement, which promotes collaboration between the Church and the State for the common good of society.”

The Press statement said a number of issues of common interest were discussed, focusing on key regional issues and on Montenegro’s path towards integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.