Pope Francis told
visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Tuesday that he hoped
for peace.
Speaking after their talks at the Vatican, the pope told
Rouhani: "Thank you for your visit and I hope in peace",
according to the press pool.
Taking his leave, Rouhani asked the pope to pray for him.
He said the meeting "pleased me a lot", adding "I wish you
well in your work," according to some of those present.
After the private audience between the pope and Rouhani, the
Iranian delegation met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal
Pietro Parolin and Msgr Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations
with States.
Tuesday was Rouhani's first visit to a pontiff, on the first
trip to Europe by an Iranian president in 16 years.
The Iranian president arrived for his three-day visit
Monday, when he met Italian President Sergio Mattarella and
Premier Matteo Renzi.
He will visit the Colosseum Wednesday morning before flying
on to Paris.
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