Tamasese is a former Prime Minister and longtime Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition in Samoa.

His own family had to conquer their impulses as their family leader was assassinated by the New Zealand military troops during a peaceful protest march in the country's struggle for independence.

In his speech Tamasese quoted a Samoan proverb: "E sili le toa e pulea lona lotoi i le toa e a'ea le ‘olo" - "He who conquers his impulses is greater than he who conquers the fortress."

"It is also a reminder to ourselves as Samoans of the need to remember our own references," he said.

"It is a reference that draws from the same well of wisdom that inspired the proverbs made famous by Buddha and Sir Edmund Hillary: "To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others" and "It is not the mountain we must conquer but ourselves."

Source

• talamua.com
• Image: cdn.3news.co.nz

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