Pope Urges Hassan Rouhani to Help Stop the Spread of Terrorism

Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, urged Iran during a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani to assist in "strengthening peace" and "stopping the spread of terrorism and arms trafficking" in collaboration with other countries in the region. According to the German news agency, in this meeting held on Tuesday, February 25, Mr. Rouhani described his meeting with Pope Francis as "truly an honor." Rouhani also asked the Pope to pray for him. Pope Francis thanked Mr. Rouhani for the meeting and stated that he would pray "for peace." Following this meeting, the Vatican issued a statement saying, "It is now Iran's turn to play a role in the fight against terrorism." Accordingly, the discussion also included Iran's nuclear agreement with world powers. At the end of the meeting, the Iranian president presented the Pope with a miniature book of Farshchian's works and a handwoven carpet from Qom. The leader of the Catholics also presented Mr. Rouhani with a medal depicting Saint Martin giving his cloak to a poor man. Mr. Rouhani's trip to Italy is the first visit by an Iranian president to Italy in 14 years, the last being Mohammad Khatami in 1998. The meeting with Pope Francis took place on the second day of Mr. Rouhani's official visit to Italy. After this meeting, Rouhani, while attending an Iran-Italy business meeting, referred to Iran as the "safest and most stable country in the region" and stated that the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic are "reliable for investment." Mr. Rouhani is scheduled to arrive in Paris, the capital of France, on Wednesday, February 26.