Pope Francis considers visiting Fiji

Pope Francis has said that he would consider visiting Fiji.

This is after President Jioji Konrote invited Pope Francis to visit Fiji in the near future.

President Jioji Konrote met personally with Pope Francis in the Palace of the Holy Office for thirty minutes, where cordial discussions with Pope Francis centred on the existing good relations between the Holy See and Fiji, the positive contribution of the Catholic Church in Fiji to nation building and Fiji’s upcoming global responsibilities on Oceans and climate change.

The President has described the meeting as ‘fruitful and inspiring’ for Fiji.

He also discussed the issue of climate change and Fiji’s Presidency of COP23, and took the opportunity to request the support of Pope Francis to support Fiji’s leadership responsibilities.

Pope Francis spoke about the ethical dimensions of climate change, which he said demanded solidarity with the most vulnerable social groups and countries, and with the new generations.

The President said Pope Francis possessed a very good sense of humour and they had very positive discussions on the important international responsibilities Fiji was assuming.

President Konrote presented Pope Francis with a “lali”.