The president of Mozambique Armando Emilio Guebuza, met with Pope Francis for the first time in the Vatican. ;
It's estimated that roughly 28 percent of the country's population is Catholic. During their brief meeting they talked about social inequality, poverty and disarmament. ;
They also discussed the role the Church plays in promoting peace and reconciliation, especially in light of the country's violent past. Once Mozambique gained independence in 1975, it fell into a 15 year civil war. ;
After introducing his team to the Pope, the president gave the Pope a gift. He gave him a colorful painting titled 'Thank you Mom,' which was done by artist Andre Macie. The Pope gave him a copy of his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium and also a medallion of San Martin of Tours. ;
Mozambique is one of the world's poorest countries and it has one of the highest infant mortality rates. The Church runs a series of charities in the country, to help the needy. ;
JRB/KLH ;
CTV
SV
-BN
Up: MPI
#Pope
