Pope Francis expresses solidarity with ‘Panama and our Canal,’ nation’s president says
January 27, 2025
» Continue to this story on @JoseRaulMulino
CWN Editor's Note: Pope Francis received José Raúl Mulino, the president of Panama, on January 25, following statements by US President Donald Trump that the United States take back the Panama Canal. The Canal was ceded to Panama in 1999 under the terms of a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and ratified by the US Senate with the requisite two-thirds majority.
“In our conversation, we reaffirmed the hope and commitment to build a more respectful society among nations, guided by the values of peace and progress,” President Mulino tweeted. “The Pope’s solidarity with Panama and our Canal is a reminder that we have a powerful future as a nation.”
“Let us work together, with firm steps, for a more just, free and democratic world,” Mulino added. “That is my commitment.”
In its own statement, the Vatican press office said that after the papal audience, President Mulino met with the Pope’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
The prelates and the president discussed “care for the common home, migration and other current socio-political issues in the country and the region,” according to the Vatican statement.
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Posted by: feedback -
Jan. 27, 2025 10:07 PM ET USA
The US President voiced very specific complaints about the mounting restrictions on America's use of the Canal since its cession to Panama 25 years ago, as well as the growing influence of China in that region. The Pope should consider both sides of the argument before giving his opinion.
