CHINA TOPIX

Pope Francis Gives Recongnition to Partners of Remarried Heads of States

Carlene Vision   |

Mar 08, 2016 04:06 PM EST

A new rule governing visits to Pope Francis by heads of state has been implemented by the Vatican last Feb. 27. The Pope has now begun meeting Catholic leaders from different parts of the world with irregular marriage vows (annulled or divorced) together with their partners. Prior to the new rule, heads of state married to their spouses following either a divorce or an annulment are met by the Pope first. Their spouses will be met by the Pontiff later on, usually in a separate room.