Putin was late for an hour for a meeting with the Pope – RBC

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Pope Francis, during a meeting in the Vatican

Photo: REUTERS 2015

The fact that Putin was late for a meeting with Pope Francis, writes The Guardian. Before his visit to Rome, Milan Putin held talks with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

At the meeting with the Pope, Putin arrived in a stretched limo. Communication Putin Francis lasted about 50 minutes behind closed doors. The two sides exchanged gifts – Putin received from Pope ancient medal with the image of an angel, “bringing peace and justice.” The response of the Russian delegation was present panels depicting Christ the Savior Cathedral.

During the meeting, Pope Francis expressed the hope that all parties Ukrainian conflict “to fulfill the Minsk agreement.” To discuss with Putin the situation in Ukraine Francis previously asked the US ambassador to the Vatican Kenneth Hackett.

After the meeting with the Pope Francis Putin met with Italian President Sergio Mattarello. The Russian leader told him that he “did a good job with the Prime Minister, had a good meeting with the pontiff».

The previous meeting between Putin and Francis was held in November 2013. Then the Russian president was late for 50 minutes.