This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, received in audience Mr. Otto Fernando Perez Molina, president of Guatemala.

According to Vatican reports, “the cordial relations between the Holy See and Guatemala were evident during the talks, as well as the appreciation for the Church’s unique contribution in that country’s development, especially in the areas of education, the promotion of human and spiritual values, and social and charitable activity.”

In conversations between the Pontiff and Molina, the need to continue working together in solving social problems of poverty, drug trafficking, organized crime, and emigration was agreed upon and, in conclusion, talk also turned to the importance of the defense of human life from the moment of conception.