Pope Francis met with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, at the Apostolic Palace. They greeted each other warmly, and their cordiality continued throughout the visit.
“It was wonderful, thank you, and especially for our people. Thank you very much, Your Holiness, for visiting Bangladesh.”
“I was really happy with that visit, very happy.”
During the 20-minute encounter, the Holy Father and Hasina discussed positive bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed a need to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis. The two leaders also emphasized the importance of defending all minorities and refugees.
The latter issue seemed to be highlighted in the prime minister's gift to the pope – this painting of a ship believed to be carrying migrants. For his part, Pope Francis gave Hasina the medal of peace and copies of his 2018 Message for Peace and Laudato si' encyclical.
Present in the prime minister's delegation was her personal assistant, Nidra Marak, who joyfully received a special greeting from the Holy Father. Marak later touched the pope's feet before kissing her hand.
