Pope Francis sends letter to Brazilian president

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis has sent a letter to Brazil’s President, Michel Temer, saying he will not be able to make a visit to the country in 2017 due to scheduling conflicts.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Holy Father sent the letter “a few days ago” but that it was not published in its entirety “because it was of a private nature”.

The statement said it came “as a response to a letter sent by Mr. Michel Temer in which the Head of State invited the Pope to visit Brazil in 2017 for the 300th anniversary of Aparecida.”

Pope Francis said in the letter that “unfortunately he could not make the trip because his schedule would not allow it.”

“Also, since in his letter President Temer made reference to his efforts to confront the social problems of the country, the Pope underlined that aspect and encouraged him to work for the promotion of the country’s poorest people,” the statement concludes.