Georgetown, Guyana, (July 29, 2015) The Vatican has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Guyana in the area of promoting peace and unity. This assurance was given when Ambassador His Excellency Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, Ambassador of the Apostolic Nuncio, paid a courtesy call to President David A. Granger, earlier today.

Archbishop Girasoli said that Pope Francis, the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church, has a key role in mediating international issues and invited President Granger, along with Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Carl Greenidge to visit the Vatican.  This invitation comes at a time when Guyana has been reaching out to the international community over threats to its sovereign territory from Venezuela.

Also present at the meeting were, Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally and Bishop of Georgetown, Reverend Francis Alleyne. The group held brief discussions on areas of cooperation, including education and health.  The Catholic community in Guyana continues to work closely with government to support national needs in these areas. 

In an invited comment, following the meeting, the Archbishop said he used the opportunity to congratulate the President on the May 11 election victory.  “This was an opportunity to reaffirm our cordial and good relations that exist between the Vatican and the Republic of Guyana. The Catholic Church is very present in this country and we are good partner of the government…,” the Archbishop said.   

According to Archbishop Girasoli, the President expressed his appreciation for the work being done by the Catholic community, even as he was reassured of the community’s role in fostering national unity.

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