He also went on to meet with Archbishop Pietro Parolin, secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

During the discussions, the Parties focused on a number of aspects of the social and economic life of the country, as well as the valuable contribution of the Catholic Church in various sectors of Samoan society and, in particular, in the field of human promotion.

This was followed by a fruitful exchange of opinions regarding the international situation, with particular reference to regional co-operation and environmental matters affecting several Pacific countries.

As a gift, the Head of State gave the Pope a painting of a Samoan beach as well as a tapa cloth. The Pope gave him a pen designed like an altar pillar in St. Peter's Basilica. As usual, he also asked for his prayers.

Source

• VIS
• Image: Yahoo.com
• Rome Reports.com

The Conference provided a forum to bring together all international and local academics, as well as practitioners in business, government or non-government organisations who have done, or are currently doing research or any innovative activities on any aspect of development in Samoa. Those making presentations included academics and practitioners from the United States, France, Switzerland, Hawaii, Australia and the Pacific region as well as local leaders from the government, non-government, local business and cultural communities.

Source

• Samoa Conference 2
• Samoa Observer
• Image: Life