Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory message to Pope Benedict XVI on occasion of the seventh anniversary of his election to the See of St. Peter, presidential press service reports.

According to Vatican Information Service, among the many people who have contacted the Holy Father Benedict XVI to congratulate him on his birthday, and on the seventh anniversary of his election, was Mario Monti, the Italian prime minister, who made a private visit to the Vatican to see the Pope on Wednesday, April 18.

The visit reflects the climate of understanding and collaboration between Italy and the Holy See, which was also on display later that day, during the traditional reception offered by the apostolic nunciature to Italy to mark the anniversary of the papal election. Prime Minister Monti attended and was welcomed by the nuncio, Archbishop Adriano Bernardini. Also present were the ministers of justice, employment, and economic development, as well as other national, regional and local authorities, and ecclesiastical figures. During the event, Prime Minister Monti held a long talk with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.