Pope Francis met with the President of the Republic of Austria, Heinz Fischer, at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
It was a cordial meeting in which they discussed several topics including religious freedom, human rights and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Heinz Fischer introduced the Pope to his wife Margit and various members of his government. He then gave the Pope an art piece of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna as well as a CD of music from Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
For his part, the Pope gave him a medal commemorating the second year of his pontificate. He also gave him a copy of his apostolic exhortation, 'Evangelii Gaudiumâ?. The President asked the Pope to sign the copy for him.
This is the first meeting between the current president of Austria and Pope Francis.
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