Pope Francis met the new president of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausèda, in the Vatican.
The president was accompanied by a delegation of seven people. Among them was his wife, who attended the meeting with contained emotion.
Among the problems they spoke of was the conflict in Ukraine and the need for solidarity between European countries.
The president gave the pope two gifts. One was a tree representing Lithuania. He explained that its roots “have survived” difficulties, and they hope to keep growing despite any obstacles.
He also gifted him a book of prayers written by people deported to Siberia that Pope Francis looked at with interest.
Pope Francis gave him a medallion.
...This is what St. Peter's was like in 1657.
He also gave the president his pontifical documents. At the end, Pope Francis affectionately said goodbye to him and his wife.
Go ahead. Pray for me.
Do not forget to pray for me.
This was the second visit of a Lithuanian president in 2019. In March, the predecessor in office came to the Vatican, six months after Pope Francis' trip to Lithuania the previous year.
