VATICAN CITY (AP) — Iran’s president and Pope Francis exchanged gifts and wishes for hope and prayers after meeting privately at the Vatican.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Iran’s president and Pope Francis exchanged gifts and wishes for hope and prayers after meeting privately at the Vatican.
President Hassan Rouhani brought the pope a red-toned carpet, about 32 inches by 4 feet, and explained that the rug was hand-made in the holy city of Qom. Francis seemed curious as Hassan leafed through a book illustrating Iranian artworks, another gift.
Francis shook hands warmly with Rouhani, who is trying to shape a role as regional conflict solver for Iran after the recent nuclear accord led the West to lift sanctions.
The pope’s gift had a spiritual spin. Francis bestowed a medal depicting St. Martin giving his cloak to a shivering man, saying the gesture represents a sign of brotherhood.