During a 40-minute meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pope Francis discussed terrorism and arms trafficking, as well as “the importance of interreligious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peace." Upon leaving, the Iranian leader asked the pontiff to pray for me."
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis today received in audience at the Vatican Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
During their private meeting, the two leaders talked about the “important role that Iran is called upon to fulfil, along with other countries in the region, to promote suitable political solutions to the problems afflicting the Middle East, to counter the spread of terrorism and arms trafficking. In this respect, the Parties highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peace.”
In the statement, the Vatican Press Office added that “during the cordial discussions, common spiritual values emerged and reference was made to the good state of relations between the Holy See and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the life of the Church in the country and the action of the Holy See to favour the promotion of the dignity of the human person and religious freedom.”
The two leaders also discussed “the conclusion and application of the Nuclear Accord”.
The Iranian president arrived at the Vatican just after 11 am, a few minutes late. Security was tight along Rome’s Via della Conciliazione, closed off for the presidential motorcade, more than 20 vehicles in all.
Hassan Rouhani is the second Iranian president to be received at the Vatican, after Mohammad Khatami met with John Paul II in 1999.
After a 40-minute private meeting, the Iranian leader met with the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Mgr Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
After he introduced the 12-member Iranian delegation, which included Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and a female interpreter, the two leaders exchanged gifts.
Rouhani gave the Holy Father “a handwoven rectangular carpet from the holy city of Qom,” along with a large illustrated book of miniatures.
The pope, in turn, gave Rouhani a St Martin medal, showing “the saint giving his cloak to a shivering man as a sign of brotherhood.”
"Thank you so much," the president said.
The pope also gave the Iranian leader a copy of his encyclical Laudato si’. "It is my document on the protection of Creation, but there is no Farsi edition. So, I will give you a copy in English, and if you allow me, in Arabic.”
At the end of the meeting, the pontiff led his guest towards the door. "I thank you so much for this visit. It was a pleasure. I hope in peace and wish you good work." Before leaving, the president asked the Pope "to pray for me."