Romanian PM Meets Pope Benedict XVI In First Day Of Official Visit To Italy

The Government issued a press release stating that Boc thanked the pope for Catholic Church's support for 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.

In this context, the Romanian head of government and the pope underscored the importance of Christian values throughout Europe and the need for dialogue between cultures and civilizations, the Government said in the statement.

Boc offered the Pope a vase made of blue glass with golden thread, a work of art of Romanian artist Ioan Nemtoi. People close to the prime minister told MEDIAFAX that Boc received a personalized pen from the pope .

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