Vatican — Pope Benedict XVI met President Thomas Yayi Boni of Benin on Saturday and discussed the difficult socio-economic situation in the country, aggravated by last October's floods.

President Boni thanked the Pope for the significant contributions made by the Catholic Church in the development of the country in education, health and the promotion of humanity.

According to a communiqué released by the Holy See press office, the President expressed satisfaction with the good relations that exist between the church and the state.

President Boni also met Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone SDB and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with states.