Russian President, Pope Francis Discuss Syria Crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Pope Francis in the Vatican, with the central topic of their discussion being the Syria conflict.

“During the meeting, special attention was given to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East and to the serious situation in Syria”, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told RIA Novosti.

Pope Francis and President Putin agreed that a solution to the conflict should “involve the various ethnic and religious elements, recognizing their essential role in society”.

They also united around the urgency to end the violence and to bring in necessary humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population.

It is reported that after his meeting with the Pope, Putin had dinner with the former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

On Tuesday, the Russian President will meet with current Italian PM Enrico Letta to discuss bilateral cooperation and international issues, such as Syria.