LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti met today with Pope Francis I in a private audience at the Vatican.
In the meeting, the pope and Garcetti discussed the priorities of climate change, young people, poverty and immigration.
“I'm so grateful to Pope Francis for the deep and humbling honor of meeting with me at the Vatican today,” Garcetti said. “I was moved by his inspired words about matters that will shape the future of our world, and to have the chance to speak to him about our mutual work to save this planet and serve our fellow human beings.
“His Holiness shared greetings for the people of Los Angeles and we are grateful for his grace, his prayers, and a message of faith, love, understanding and cooperation that brings peace and comfort to people everywhere,” Garcetti said.
Garcetti has been traveling since Saturday when he embarked on a personal trip. Since Wednesday, his schedule has included trips to Copenhagen, London and the Vatican.
His business in Europe is primarily related to C40 Cities, according to the mayor's communications office. The expenses of the trip were paid for by the C40.
According to its website, the C40 Cities is composed of 94 cities aimed at taking “bold climate action” by implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement. The organization's main conference is Oct. 9-12 in Copenhagen.
Garcetti is scheduled to return to Los Angeles Saturday afternoon.
Photo: L.A. Mayor's Office