By Spy Uganda Correspondent
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in Vatican City for the first time ahead of the G-20 Summit in Rome on Saturday.
In Rome last evening, I had a great interaction with members of the Indian diaspora in Italy, those who are studying about India and those who have developed a close bond with our nation over the years. It was wonderful to hear their views on diverse topics. pic.twitter.com/D2jq845R7D
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2021
PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues aiming at making the planet better, including fighting climate change and removing poverty. The prime minister has invited Pope Francis to visit India.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar accompanied PM Modi to meet Pope Francis.
According to sources, the meeting which was scheduled only for twenty minutes went on for an hour.
It may be recalled that the last papal visit happened in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister and Pope John Paul II came to India. Now, it is during PM Modi’s term that the Pope has been invited to visit the country.
Meanwhile, PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Rome on Friday evening.
In his departure statement on Thursday, Modi said he will be visiting Rome and the Vatican City from October 29-31.
“During my visit to Italy, I will also visit the Vatican City, to call on His Holiness Pope Francis and meet Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” Modi said.
