'Humbled': Gov. John Bel Edwards to travel to Italy, meet with Pope Francis
Gov. John Bel Edwards will meet with Pope Frances in Italy in the coming week as part of a trip there to promote anti-human trafficking efforts.
Edwards, First Lady Donna Edwards, State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson and others, including some state lawmakers, are leaving Friday for Rome and will return the following Friday, according to the Governor's Office. The trip's goal is to recognize and encourage cooperation among churches and states to fight human trafficking, the Governor's Office said.
“One of the greatest honors of a Catholic and Christian is to meet the Holy Father,” Edwards said in a statement. “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I am looking forward to discussing the very real threat that human trafficking imposes on Louisiana.”
Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo said the trip's agenda is still being finalized. He said Edwards is taking no staff from the governor's office and will be staying at a seminary.
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