Mario Monti Pope reminds the social situation "difficult" and "almost insoluble" in Italy

This was the first time since taking the new Italian government in November that Mario Monti, a practicing Catholic, was received in audience by the pope. At the beginning of the hearing in the presence of some journalists, the pope and prime minister sat face to face to discuss the crisis in Italy. Benedict praised his host and said Monti "started well, but in a very difficult, almost unsolvable."

Mario Monti agreed and said it was "important to look for signs with determination" before the financial markets. According to a Vatican statement, the "cordial meeting" between the head of the Italian government and the pope was raised "about the government's commitment and contribution aa social situation of the Church in the life of the country."

Also discussed the political situation in Europe and the southern Mediterranean and the protection of religious minorities in different regions of the world, the statement said. "The two sides confirmed their willingness to continue its constructive cooperation at bilateral and international community," he said.

Mario Monti's appointment as prime minister of Italy in November, as well as other Catholic members of the government, was much appreciated by the Holy See relations between the Vatican and Italy were significantly degraded with Silvio Berlusconi because of various scandals involving the former prime minister.

In his speech to the diplomatic corps, on Monday last, the pope said he hoped the relations between Church and State in Italy were "an example". "I hope that Italy will continue to promote a balanced relationship between church and state, so that sets an example for other nations," he said.

The Italian government intends to review the agreement with the Italian episcopate for the estate tax, tax exemption to many church properties and commercial activities while pursuing other non-profits.

Part of the Italian says the church has many privileges for a period of austerity even fulfilling many social functions such as education and health.