Iran’s President, Pope Francis Meet in Vatican City
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday held a meeting with Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, during which the two sides called on the world to avoid violence and extremism, and try to establish peace throughout the world.
In the meeting held in the Vatican City, Rouhani and the Catholic leader stressed that divine religions spread peace and avoidance of violence, and thus nations should make a comprehensive effort to bring peace to the world.
They also underscored the need for further cooperation by international bodies and countries to immediately cease the ongoing wars and conflicts and relieve the pains human beings are suffering.
The two sides further discussed issues related to the Middle East and need for finding a political solution to the regional problems.
They also welcomed the recent nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, whose implementation started on January 16, and highlighted the significance of all parties’ fulfilment of their commitments.
The Vatican in a statement said the conversation between the two sides delved into the nuclear accord and "the important role that Iran was called to play" to combat terrorism along with other countries in the region.
Iran was also urged to help fight arms trafficking, the Vatican said.
The Vatican described the talks as "cordial" and said "common spiritual values were highlighted," as well as good Iranian-Vatican relations.
Iran's president and the Pope also exchanged gifts and wished for hope and prayers after their 40-minute meeting.
Pope Francis gave the Iranian president a medal depicting St. Martin helping a poor man, an act Francis called "a sign of unsolicited brotherhood."
Rouhani also brought a gift of a hand-made rug. He told the pope the red-toned carpet was made in the Iranian holy city of Qom.
The Associated Press reported that Pope Francis seemed curious as Rouhani leafed through a book illustrating Iranian artworks, another gift.
Elsewhere in his visit to the Vatican City, the Iranian president also held a meeting with the Holy See’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and conferred on bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues.
Rouhani on Monday arrived in the Italian capital of Rome as the first destination of his European tour, which will take him to Paris on Wednesday.
The European visits are Rouhani’s first foreign trips after the implementation of the nuclear deal (known as JCPOA), which took place on January 16.
