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Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP today met His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican

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• From: Northern Ireland Office
• Published: 16 February 2012

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the meeting Mr Paterson said:  

“It was an honour to meet with Pope Benedict once again. I am pleased that His Holiness continues to take a deep personal interest in Northern Ireland and its people. Along with His Holiness I look forward to seeing the peace we currently enjoy continue to grow and flourish.”   

Mr Paterson was part of a UK delegation of cabinet ministers at the Vatican for a two day visit reciprocating the visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the UK in September 2010.  The delegation as a whole discussed issues such as inter-faith dialogue, human rights, foreign policy, combating climate change, international development, and cultural relations.

Published 16 February 2012