By Vatican News

It was a 45-minute “cordial” encounter in a “respectful environment”, during which it was possible for both sides to present their respective positions on China, as well as discuss some of the world’s bloody conflicts.

The American Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, arrived at the Vatican on Thursday morning to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his counterpart, Archbishop Gallagher, the Holy See’s “Foreign Minister”.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said: “During this morning’s talks between the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Michael Richard Pompey, and His Holiness’ Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, the parties presented their respective positions regarding relations with the People’s Republic of China, in a respectful, relaxed and cordial environment. They also spoke about some areas of conflict and crisis, particularly in the Caucasus, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The meeting lasted about 45 minutes.”

As is known, in recent weeks some statements made by Secretary Pompeo against the Provisional Agreement signed two years ago by the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China have provoked discussions in the media.

The Holy See, as Cardinal Parolin has repeatedly stated, intends to propose renewing the agreement, which is still in provisional form. He has emphasized its genuinely pastoral character, which is aimed only at ensuring that the Chinese bishops are in full communion with the Successor of Peter.