(ANSA) - Rome, February 5 - Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan met Pope Francis for 50 minutes on Monday at the start
of his visit to Italy.
Erdogan was accompanied by his wife and daughter and five
ministers in a delegation that numbers 20 in all.
Erdogan gave the pope a large ceramic painting showing a
panorama of Istanbul and a collection of books by the Muslim
theologist Mevlana Rumi.
The pontiff, as well as a medallion with the dove of peace,
gave Erdogan an etching of St Peter's as it was at the beginning
of the 17th century, a copy of his encyclical Laudato si' and
his message for this year's World Peace Day.
Erdogan had been expected to discuss Jerusalem's status after
the US decision to recognise it as Israeli capital.
With Italian leaders including Premier Paolo Gentiloni the
Turkish leader is expected to discuss Ankara's bid for EU entry.
Erdogan meets pope
leaders exchange gifts