Vējonis marked the great elation Latvia's society experienced during Pope John Paul II's visit in 1993. He repeated an invitation for Pope Francis to visit Latvia, an event thought to perhaps take place in 2018 as each of the Baltic states will celebrate their founding centenaries.
Vējonis stressed that the relationships between Latvia and the Holy See are very good and said that the Holy See has always supported Latvia's independence and never admitted the incorporation of the Baltics in the USSR.
The President thanked Pope Francis and the Vatican for promoting of healthy lifestyle and supporting initiatives to counter global warming.
PM Māris Kučinskis also invited the Pope to visit Latvia in 2018.
"The Pope's visit would strongly encourage the society. It would promote awareness of Latvians on belonging to the western Christian community," the prime minister said.
Parolin is on an official visit to Latvia from May 11 to May 13, as part of celebrating the 95th anniversary of Vatican's de iure recognition of Latvia and the 25th anniversary of reinstating diplomatic relations between the countries.
