Holy Father Pope Francis met with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at a private audience in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. A statement from the Holy See Press Office said their discussions were cordial and that the two men spoke about the two states’ bilateral relations. It was the first time in 59 years that a Turkish president has visited the Vatican.
As reported by Vatican Radio, the statement from the Holy See Press Office said, “Pope Francis and Turkey’s president highlighted the need to promote peace and stability in the region through dialogue and negotiation, with respect for human rights and international law.”
At the end of their meeting, Pope Francis gave President Erdogan a bronze medallion depicting an angel embracing the northern and southern hemispheres while overcoming the opposition of a dragon.
