Pope meets Indian premier

Pope Francis has met for the first time with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived Saturday morning for a private audience at the Vatican. As journalists have learned, the conversation lasted almost an hour, Report informs, citing TASS.

The Indian leader, who arrived in Rome to attend the G20 summit, which opens on Saturday in the Italian capital, was accompanied by a small delegation. India is considered one of the key countries in the search for a solution to the climate crisis.

Modi presented the pontiff with a silver candelabrum and a book on India's efforts to preserve the environment.

Of the pontiffs, only John Paul II (1920-2005) visited India in 1986 and 1999. Francis expressed his desire to visit this country.