Pope Francis to visit Romania in 2019, says PM Dancila | Reaction of Apostolic Nuncio to Romania

PM Viorica Dancila said on Friday, during her visit at the Vatican, that Pope Francis will come to Romania next year.

Dancila met with the Pope and told him about the plans of Romanian authorities to increase the country’s presence at the Vatican through academic, cultural and religious initiatives, but also through joint projects designed to protect human rights and ensure religious freedom. She invited Pope Francis in Romania.

UPDATE: The Apostolic Nuncio to Romania Miguel Maury Buendía said that any official announcement regarding a potential visit of the Pope in Romania will be jointly made by the Vatican and the Romanian presidency.

The PM told Antena 3 TV station that the Pope asked her if she has the strength to complete her mandate, and she said “without any doubt.”

“PM Viorica Dancila underlined the importance of enhancing the relations between Romania and the Vatican, also on the backdrop of Romania’s mandate at the president of the EU Council, an opportunity to send a message across Europe, given the religious vocation of our country,” said the Romanian government in a press release.

The head of the government is on an official visit at the Vatican during May 10-13. The PM also met on Friday with cardinal Pietro Parolin, state secretary of Pope Francis.

Last March, president Klaus Iohannis also went to the Vatican.