Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis shared a heartfelt moment during the G7 Summit’s outreach session in Apulia, Italy. Their encounter was marked by a warm embrace, where PM Modi extended an invitation for the 87-year-old Pope to visit Bharat.
The interaction underscored mutual admiration, with PM Modi expressing his appreciation for the Pope’s dedication to serving humanity and enhancing global welfare.
The meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis, who was in a wheelchair, took place amidst the G7 Summit discussions focusing on crucial global issues such as Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni facilitated the outreach session, inviting leaders from both the G7 nations and the Global South, emphasizing the Pope’s significant role as a moral authority.
Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the @G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/BeIPkdRpUD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2024
This isn’t the first time PM Modi and Pope Francis have met. Previously, they engaged in a private audience at the Vatican in October 2021. During this meeting, discussions centered on the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. PM Modi highlighted Bharat’s efforts in combating these challenges, including achieving the milestone of administering one billion Covid-19 vaccine doses and supporting other nations during the pandemic.
Bharat, home to one of Asia’s largest Catholic populations, eagerly anticipates a potential visit by Pope Francis next year. The invitation extended by PM Modi signifies Bharat’s respect and openness towards fostering stronger ties with the Vatican and the global Catholic community.
The G7 Summit’s outreach session served as a platform for leaders to engage in substantive discussions on pressing global issues. The presence of Pope Francis, acknowledged as the ‘Holy Father,’ added a significant moral dimension to the proceedings, as he interacted with leaders such as US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
PM Modi’s invitation to Pope Francis reflects Bharat’s commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation on a global scale, emphasizing shared values of compassion, solidarity, and sustainable development.
As the world navigates complex challenges, such gestures of diplomatic outreach and mutual respect play a crucial role in fostering international understanding and collaboration.
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