Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogotà (Agenzia Fides) – The President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, met the Country's Catholic Bishops, yesterday, 8 February, during the course of the 90th Colombian Episcopal Assembly. It was the first official meeting held between the new President and the Bishops, since Santos Calderon was appointed President if Colombia in August 2010. According to the communication sent to Fides by the Colombian Episcopal Conference, during the meeting the Head of State outlined the main points for his Government's programme. He revealed his concerns surrounding the issues of work, peace, good relations with neighbouring countries and other issues at the heart of the Country. Then the President heard some of the Bishops' concerns in areas such as education and humanitarian assistance to the victims of the natural disasters over winter.
As reported by various local sources of Fides, Colombia is going through an extremely delicate time with regards to acts of violence by armed groups, and the Catholic Church has always been a key player in the mediation and negotiations with various groups (see Fides 03/12/2010). However, the Colombian land was also severely affected by the intense rains and natural disasters which left many homeless and many towns in complete misery (see Fides 07/12/2010 and 16/12/2010). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/02/2011).
