Brazil’s Minister of Social Development and Hunger Alleviation, Patrus Ananias, has been in Italy since the beginning of the week. He was invited to talk about the Zero Hunger program. The invitation came from the Vatican’s Pontifical Social Sciences Academy, directly connected with the Pope.

The minister discussed the government’s social programs aimed at improving the quality of life and, most of all, the nutritional situation of poor children.

"This represents an international recognition, beginning with the Catholic Church and also by Italian non-governmental organizations. They are recognizing a serious effort with positive results that, under the leadership of president Lula, we are carrying out in Brazil to promote the right to be well fed and for social inclusion." Ananias affirmed.

Non-governmental organizations in Italy also invited the minister to take part Friday, May 5, in an encounter denominated "Brazil in Your Heart – a Week of Cooperation and Solidarity with Brazil."

Ananias will speak about the successes and challenges of the Zero Hunger program. The minister of Environment, Marina Silva is there, too.

The event will go on during the period May 5-15, in seven Italian cities, with the participation of various Brazilian government officials.

According to the Pontifical Social Sciences Academy, Pope Benedict XVI is following closely Brazil’s social efforts and recognizes their worth.

Agência Brasil