The meeting addressed bilateral relations, Church's renewal in Lithuania, poverty and social exclusion, as well as issues of development in Europe, the government's press service said.
"The people of Lithuania are particularly fascinated by the Holy Father's sincerity and simplicity. We appreciate our bilateral relations with the Holy See. It is with great respect that we remember the Holy See's support in times of the Soviet occupation. The Christian faith helped the Lithuanian nation to build and strengthen our state, to embrace Europe’s Christian culture, and persevere during difficult challenges throughout history," the Lithuanian prime minister said during the meeting.
During the meeting with Pope Francis, the head of the Lithuanian government welcomed the fact that Lithuania signed and ratified key bilateral agreements on the status of the Church, and noted that the Lithuanian Catholic Church was undergoing a very positive process of renewal, as six bishops had been appointed in Lithuania within the past three years.
The meeting also touched upon poverty and social exclusion. Both sides agreed that those who are in need of assistance should receive it regardless of the economic situation in the country.
Butkevičius thanked the pope for his congratulations on the 600th anniversary of baptism of Samogitia and on behalf of the people of Lithuania invited him to visit the Baltic state.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
Issues such as bilateral relations between Lithuania and the Holy See, the role of the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council and the Eastern Partnership were also discussed with the Vatican leaders.
