Iranian President Hassan Rouhani asks Pope Francis to pray for him

Rouhani paid a visit to Italy and held private talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

For the first time in 17 years, a pope and Iranian leader met for private talks at the Vatican. Each leader spoke of the responsibilities of religious communities and human rights. Their talks concluded with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani asking Pope Francis to pray for him.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Vatican Radio reported Rouhani and Pope Francis spoke of "problems in the Middle East, the fight against terrorism, interreligious dialogue and arms trafficking and other issues."

The Holy See's Press Office released a statement saying the pontiff and Rouhani discussed "bilateral relations, problems afflicting the Middle East area including the recently-signed Iran nuclear agreement and other international issues."

The meeting was 40-minutes long and the talks involved Pope Francis, President Rouhani, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

In the statement released by the Vatican, the talks were described as "cordial discussions," in which "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.

"Attention then turned to the conclusion and application of the Nuclear accord and the important role that Iran is called upon to fulfil [sic], 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."

At the conclusion of their talks, Fox News reported President Rouhani told Pope Francis the visit was "a real pleasure," then asked the pontiff, "I ask you to pray for me."

After thanking President Rouhani, Pope Francis said, "I hope for peace."

At the conclusion of their "cordial discussions," President Rouhani offered Pope Francis a gift. It was a hand-made rug from Qhom, the Iranian holy city, and a book with miniatures.

In exchange, Pope Francis gave President Rouhani a medal of St. Martin cutting his cloak in two to give half to a poor man in what the pontiff described as "a sign of unsolicited brotherhood."

Pope Francis also gave President Rouhani  a copy of encyclical Laudato Si, which is an appeal from Pope Francis addressed to "every person living on this planet" to talk about shaping the future of the world.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online