Vatican - Pope Francis on Monday received Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez, who later met with high officials from the Holy See.

A statement from the Vatican press room described the meeting between the visiting head of State and the Supreme Pontiff as cordial. Later, Abdo Benitez met with the State secretary, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by the secretary for Relations with States, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher.

According to the press release, during the talks, they expressed gratitude for the good relations between the Holy See and Paraguay, and stressed the importance of Christian values in the history and present of the country.

In this context, the important contribution from the local Church in favor of the entire Paraguayan society was highlighted, and the country's situation was reviewed, particularly social development, the support for the family and the fight against poverty, corruption and drug trafficking.

The press release added that other issues of common international and regional interest were addressed during the meetings.