This week the current President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias met with the Pope in Rome to discuss abortion and the free trade agreement. In a country where the people are devout catholics having the Popes blessing is always helpful. Arias met with Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican City Secretary of State Angelo Sodano who all agreed that the free trade agreement, contraception and disarmament are issues where the Vatican would support Costa Rica. Sodano stated he would send a letter to the head of the Costa Rican church letting them know that the Vatican would support the free trade agreement for Costa Rica.

While Arias says he did not ask for the letter he did ask that the Vatican speak to Bishops in Costa Rica and gain their support. Even though the churches vote is not needed to pass CAFTA (free trade agreement) it would make life easier. Costa Rica is still the only country not to sign the free trade agreement. However Arias hopes to have it ratified within the next few months.

Unionists however have stated that it is not the place of the Vatican to support something that they nothing about. While much controversy still surrounds the Free Trade Agreement it is hopeful that it will be ratified within the next few months.