German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, held his first meeting with
Pope Francis on Monday since taking over the largely ceremonial post, with
migration and refugees
on the agenda.
Mr. Steinmeier, who assumed office in February, held a private audience
with the pontiff in the Vatican.
The talks were also expected to focus on international tensions as well
as the outcome of September’s German election, which resulted in new right-wing
populist party, the Alternative for Germany, entering the national parliament
in Berlin for the first time.
A Protestant and former Foreign Minister, Mr. Steinmeier has repeatedly
sought to promote ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue.
His visit to Rome coincides with the 500th anniversary of the
Reformation, which forged anew the relationship between the Protestant and the
Catholic churches.
Me. Steinmeier’s predecessor, Joachim Gauck, met with the former Pope,
Benedict, in 2012.
(dpa/NAN)
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