President recalls 2002 meeting with Pontiff

[April 4, 2005 - 8.30 GMT]

Over the past month President Kumaratunga was keenly following the reports about the Pope John Paul’s failing health. On Sunday morning when she learnt of his passing away she was truly saddened, and said he had a great life and now his  physical ordeals have come to an end. In a condolence message to the Vatican Kumaratunga said the late Pontiff’s efforts to promote peace in the immediate post cold war period would be admired in the years to come.

In June 2002 the late Pope John Paul received in official audience President Chandrika Kumaratunga.  Soon after her audience with the rather frail octogenarian Pontiff the President told her aides ‘despite his age and infirmity His Holiness has a very clear mind’.  She said ‘during each minute with him my reverence for him kept increasing’.  The President spent around 45 minutes with the Pontiff during the one to one meeting. 

Pope John Paul II fondly recalled his last visit to Sri Lanka in 1995, the Pontiff known for his sense of humor told the President ‘I was much younger and fitter then!’.  He inquired from President Kumaratunga about the progress of the peace process and commended her courage for continuing with her peace efforts even after the unsuccessful attempt on her life in 1999.

President Kumaratunga then had a meeting with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Angelo Cardinal Sodano. The President was in Rome to attend the World Food Summit.   

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Last Updated Date: April 4, 2005 - 8.30 GMT