Dmitry Medvedev meets Pope Benedict XVI

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited the Vatican and met Pope
Benedict XVI on Thursday, ITAR-TASS reports.

The president and his wife were welcomed by the Swiss Guards at the
San Damaso Palace. The Pope invited Medvedev to visit the library at
the Pope's room. Benedict XVI started the conversation by noting the
importance of the meeting. After the conversation, Medvedev's wife and
members of the delegation were introduced to the Pope. Each received a
memorial gift.

The president and the Pope exchanged gifts. Medvedev presented
Benedict XVI with the latest book of the Orthodox Encyclopaedia.
Medvedev also presented letter of Boris Yeltsin with heads of foreign
states and governments. Another gift to the Pope is a panorama of the
Kremlin.

The Pope presented Medvedev with a small panel carved on a stone,
depicting Saint Peter. It was the first visit of the Russian leader in
Vatican after establishing diplomatic relations in December 2009.
Medvedev visited the Holy Seat and signed a decree raising the Russian
diplomatic mission in Vatican to an embassy.