In a Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Colombian President Gustavo Petro thanked Cuba and Venezuela for their peace mediation roles related to the ELN guerrilla. He discussed migration and climate change, invited the Pope to visit Colombia, and highlighted the need for a focus on cooperation rather than conflict, while gifting cultural items to the Pope.
In a recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed gratitude to Cuba and Venezuela for their roles in peace mediation efforts concerning Colombia. The talks, which initially involved the National Liberation Army (ELN), have been on hold for four months, but Petro mentioned that the guerrilla group is willing to resume discussions in those two countries. He emphasized Cuba’s sacrifice in this endeavor, saying, “I thank Cuba and Venezuela – specifically Cuba, which has suffered so much – for offering its territory to talk about peace.”
Petro’s audience with the Pope lasted around 20 minutes and covered various topics, including migration, climate change, and the ongoing conflicts affecting Colombia and beyond. During the conversation, Petro highlighted the importance of love and power dynamics in achieving peace, stating, “it is here, in the Vatican, where we can remember the theory of effective love, with its crossed powers, because obviously it is a world of power.”
The Colombian President also extended an invitation to the Pope to visit Colombia, particularly the Chiribiquete region, a site he described as the “first land that emerges from the water on the planet.” He expressed a desire for the Pope to include Colombia in his upcoming trip to Peru, saying, “I would like him to visit Colombia” and noted the significance of Santa Marta, calling it “the heart of the world.”
In his comments, Petro suggested that the Pope’s familiarity with Latin America could help bridge gaps, particularly with the U.S. government. He warned against prioritizing the fight against migration, stressing it could harm their own future generations and instead urged a focus on climate action.
As a token of respect and cultural exchange, Petro gifted the Pope a replica of the Muisca Raft, an Arhuaca backpack woven by indigenous artisans from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, alongside a handmade hammock from Morroa and Colombian coffee. These gifts reflect Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
President Petro’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of international cooperation in Colombia’s peace process. By thanking Cuba and Venezuela for hosting peace talks and inviting the Pope to Colombia, he has reiterated his commitment to resolving conflicts and addressing pressing global issues like migration and climate change. The symbolic gifts he presented underscore Colombia’s cultural identity and willingness to engage in dialogue.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
