ROME: Visit of Prime Minister to the Vatican City

ROME: His
Holiness Pope Francis received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a private
audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Saturday, 30 October 2021.

This was the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in
more than two decades. In June 2000, Late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari
Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope, His Holiness John
Paul II. India and The Holy See have friendly relations dating back to the
establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. India is home to the second
largest Catholic population in Asia.

During today’s meeting, the two leaders discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and its
consequences for people across the world. They also discussed the challenge
posed by climate change. Prime Minister briefed the Pope about the ambitious
initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India’s
success in administering one billion Covid-19 vaccination doses. His Holiness
appreciated India’s assistance to countries in need during the pandemic.

Prime Minster extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Francis to visit
India at an early date, which was accepted with pleasure.

Prime Minister also met Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro
Parolin.