Pope Francis receives President of Brazil

Vatican City, 22 February 2014: Pope Francis on Friday received in audience Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil at the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican, according to Fr. Frederico Lombardi, Director of Vatican Press office. She has come to Rome to be present at the Consistory of Saturday which will create Archbishop Orani Tempesta, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, a Cardinal along with other 18 new Cardinals.

The meeting cordial and gave the Pontiff an occasion to express, once again, his feelings of affection and good wishes to all the Brazilian people. At the end of their meeting, Pope Francis also greeted the delegation that accompanied the President and exchanged gifts.

The President, with an obvious reference to the upcoming World Cup football in Brazil, gave the Pope a jersey of the Brazilian team, signed by Football legend Pele with the dedication: "To Pope Francis with respect and admiration", and a ball signed by Ronaldo.

Receiving the gifts, Pope Francis humorously remarked that with these gifts ‘I am invited to pray for Brazil to win the Cup. And the President replied that he has been asked at least neutrality. The Holy Father gifted them an artistic medallion depicting "The Angel of Peace."
Source: VR Sedoc