The president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, accompanied by his wife and a delegation met with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
'I am very happy to be hereâ?.
During the meeting, they spoke on the economic and social situation in the country. They also spoke on the Pope's upcoming visit in January 2015.
Both expressed their hope that the visit will inspire reconciliation. The country suffered through a civil war that lasted 26 years and ended in 2009.
The president of Sri Lanka presented his delegation to the Pope and many of them were overcome with emotion.
Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the Pope a complete tea set. In return, he gave the Sri Lankan president a medallion of the Angel of Peace.
Pope Francis will visit Sri Lanka from January 12th - 15th , 2015 and from there he will travel to the Philippines. It will be his seventh international trip.
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