Pope Francis meets with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan

By Vatican News

Pope Francis Francis welcomed Emomali Rahmon, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, to the Vatican on Friday morning.

Following the morning encounter, President Rahmon met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin together with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

The Holy See Press Office noted that in their cordial dicussions held at the Secretariat of State, the leaders recalled the good relations between the Holy See and Tajikistan, while matters regarding some of the country’s political and socio-economic situation were also discussed. Particular attention focused on "the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures for the promotion of peace and stability in the world."

In the customary exchange of gifts, President Rahmon gave the Pope a copy of a world reknowned Sasanian rock sculpture relief (Ahura Mazda and Ardashir I) found in Iran. Pope Francis offered the President a sculpture called "Delicate Flower" together with a series of pontifical documents, including this year's message for the World Day of Peace.