The meeting, held in the library of the Apostolic Palace, took around 40 minutes. President Álvaro Uribe and Pope Benedict XVI went through some subjects such us drug trafficking, social policies to improve life conditions of the poorest and cooperation between the State and Church in the pursue of peace.

Vatican City, Italy, April 30 (SP). His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received President Álvaro Uribe in private this Thursday; he reiterated his affection for Colombia and said that he will continue praying for the peace of our country.

The meeting lasted for about 40 minutes and it was held at the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican City.

According to a press release of the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI and President Uribe examined subjects as drug trafficking, social policies to improve life conditions of the poorest and also cooperation between Church and the State in the pursue of peace.

Previous to the private meeting, before the press, Pope Benedict XVI welcomed President Uribe, his wife Lina Moreno and the rest of the staff of the Leader.

The Pope gave a white box with a commemorative gold medal to the Colombian Leader. As for Uribe, he gave the Pope a white gold cufflinks.

At the end of the meeting with His Holiness, President Uribe met with the Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Holy See Secretary for States Relations.

In addition, the Head of State made a tour for the Saint Peter Basilica. He visited the grave of Pope Juan Pablo II (R.I.P), who he met on February 2nd 2004.

At this time, President Uribe is offering a lunch for Monsignor Fernando Filoni, Substitute of the Secretary of State for General Affairs of the Holy See. Other figures of the Church were also invited.