Pope Francis Accepts PM Modi's Invite To Visit India, Calls It 'The Greatest Gift'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis yesterday (30 October) as part of his Rome visit for the G-20 Summit. Notably, this was PM Modi's first ever one-on-one meet with the Pope.

PM Modi and Pope Francis discussed a wide range of global issues, including the Covid-19 crisis, fighting climate change and alleviating poverty.

PM Modi tweeted, "Had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him and also invited him to visit India."

PM Modi was accompanied to the Vatican by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar, reports Hindustan Times.

As per reports, the meeting was scheduled to last only 20 minutes, but went on for an hour.

“Today, 30 October, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr Narendra Modi. During a brief conversation, the cordial relations between the Holy See and India were discussed,” the Vatican said in a statement.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated after the meeting that Pope Francis has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India terming it as “the greatest gift”.

"You (PM Modi) have given me the greatest gift. I am looking forward to visiting India,” Pope Francis said, as quoted by the foreign secretary.