Rome, November 14 (RHC-Andina) --Peruvian President Ollanta Humala arrived Friday at Rome’s Ciampino International Airport, prior to holding a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. On behalf of the Vatican Secretariat of State, the Peruvian President was welcomed by Monsignor Fernando Chica Arellano upon arrival.

The president also participated in a meeting with The Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

The visit to the Holy See is aimed at reaffirming an invitation request to His Holiness Pope Francis to visit Peru. Strengthening cooperation bonds between Peru and the Catholic Church on social and educational affairs are main purposes of the President’s trip to the Holy See.

Humala also delivered the Peruvian people’s greetings to the Supreme Pontiff. The meeting took place at the Apostolic Palace.

This year commemorates the 155th anniversary of bilateral relations between Peru and the Vatican.