Sergey Startsev. Pope Francis in the process held on a Wednesday evening meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin drew attention to the importance of implementing the Minsk agreements by all parties, told reporters the head of the service of the Holy see Federico Lombardi.

"Dad said that it is necessary to undertake a sincere and great efforts To achieve peace," - said the official representative of the Vatican. According to Lombardi, Francis also drew attention to the need for action to address the acute humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and to reduce tensions in the region.

the Commissioner of the Vatican told reporters that during the meeting, in addition to Ukrainian fall, discussed the situation in the middle East. Francis reiterated the urgency of achieving peace in the region, In particular the promotion of international brotherhood. The Pontiff pointed to the importance of providing conditions For normal life " all members of society, including religious minorities, especially Christians."

The meeting between the Russian President and the Pontiff lasted about an hour in the chambers personal papal library of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The interview took place only in the presence of 2 translators, was read the Last news from the sources to the Holy see.

The head of the Russian Federation at the meeting with the Pontiff was accompanied by the prefect of the Pontifical house, German Archbishop Georg Ganswein. Francis welcomed a great guest, addressing him in German. At the conclusion of the meeting the head of the Roman Catholic Church said: "For me it was a great pleasure and honor to meet You. Goodbye."

As stated before, in the process of meeting Francis has asked Putin to give best wishes to his Holiness Patriarch Kirill. The Russian President later told the Italian President Sergio Mattarella impressions of the meeting with the Pontiff, saying it was " good ".

Putin and Pope Francis met at the Vatican in November 2013.

sections: Politics