Romanian PM meets Pope Benedict XVI in first day of official visit to Italy

Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc and Pope Benedict XVI had a short meeting on Wednesday, part of his two-day official visit to Italy.

The Government issued a press release stating that Boc thanked the pope for Catholic Church’s support to Romanian communities living outside Romania, especially in Italy.
Boc said Romanian parishes are hosted with generosity by Catholic bishops and parishes and this support contributes to the integration of the Romanians living and working in Italy.

“The Romanian religious communities have a complex role in affirming and keeping their religious, cultural and national identity,” the prime minister said during the private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.