Following the meeting Mr Paterson said:
“It was an honour to meet with Pope Benedict once again. I am pleased that His Holiness continues to take a deep personal interest in Northern Ireland and its people. Along with His Holiness I look forward to seeing the peace we currently enjoy continue to grow and flourish.”
Mr Paterson was part of a UK delegation of cabinet ministers at the Vatican for a two day visit reciprocating the visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the UK in September 2010. The delegation as a whole discussed issues such as inter-faith dialogue, human rights, foreign policy, combating climate change, international development, and cultural relations.