A troop of Swiss Guards escorted German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to Pope Francis' private audience hall for her “farewell” visit before she steps down from her position.
This was the seventh meeting between the Chancellor and the Pope at the Vatican. They discussed the European Union, biodiversity, global conflicts and abuse within the Church.
After their conversation, Chancellor Merkel presented Pope Francis with a number of books. One was a three-volume set of commentary on the year's Sunday Gospel readings.
-'A bible written in light terms. Easy, simple.'
The other was a book about Michelangelo written by art historian Horst Bredekamp, who attended the meeting with the Pope as Chancellor Merkel's honorary guest.
-'Inside are 50 years of my work on the Vatican.'
The Pope gave the chancellor a small bronze replica of the Holy Door. And a collection of the important texts of his pontificate.
-'I signed it today for you.'
It was a farewell meeting that concluded with a fitting “see you soon.”
-'Arrivederci.'
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