This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Sean McWeeney, Q.C. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to the Holy See.

During the course of the week, Ambassador McWeeney will subsequently meet with Senior Officials of the Holy See including the Secretary of State His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States, His Excellency Giovanni Becciu and Monsignor Jose Bettencourt, Head of Protocol for the Holy See.

The appointment of Ambassador McWeeney to the Holy See follows last years' visit to the Vatican by Prime Minister Perry Christie when during that visit Prime Minister Christie and the Vatican expressed their mutual hope for closer collaboration between the States.

It is hoped that the Parties may establish deeper ties in the field of emigration and the contribution the Catholic Church may offer to the population, especially in the sectors of welfare and education.

Foreign Service Officer Joy A. Newbold, Mrs. Jill McWeeney-Wilson, HE Eldred Bethel, Mrs. Dawn Bethel, HE Sean McWeeney, the Holy Father Pope Francis, Mrs. Cyprianna McWeeney. Mr. Michael Wilson, Mr. Sean McWeeney Jr. and Ms. Melissa McWeeney. Congratulations to the McWeeney family and the Bahamas.