Pope Benedict receives French President Nicolas Sarkozy

(20 Dec 07 - RV ) Pope Benedict XVI today received French President Nicolas Sarkozy in private audience. It was Sarkozy’s first meeting with the Holy Father since his election to the Elysée in May this year.

Pope Benedict XVI greeted the French President outside of his private apartments where they exchanged a few words in French and posed for photographs before retiring behind closed door’s for private talks which lasted over 25 minutes.

A Vatican Press Office Statement said their discussions centred on themes of common interest, such as the role of religions in the modern world, with particular attention being paid to the future of Europe and the conflict in the Middle East. Topics such as the political and social problems of some African nations also emerged during the talks, and the drama of hostage-taking.

On emerging from the Papal study, President Sarkozy presented members of the French delegation to the Pope before gifting him with three books among them a first edition of the ancient opera “la joie” and a copy of his book “Republic, Religions and hope”.

In return Pope Benedict presented the French leader with a commemorative medal of his pontificate.

Before leaving the Vatican the French President also held talks with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and descended into the Vatican crypt to pause for a moment of prayer before the tomb of John Paul II, a man for whom President Sarkozy has frequently expressed deep admiration.

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