The Kremlin has explained the reasons for the delay of Putin to the Pope – RBC

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived for a meeting with Pope Francis

Photo: Global Look Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin late for a meeting with Pope Francis because of the delay of negotiations in Milan, but also because of the difficulties encountered when moving motorcade. This was told by the press secretary of the president of Russia Dmitry Peskov.

«Indeed, the visit of the Pope took place later the scheduled time. This was due to the fact that several protracted negotiations in Milan and a few slow moving motorcade through the streets of Milan and Rome “- quoted Peskov Interfax. “Along the way, of course, these delays were broadcast and were consistent with the Vatican court”, – added the spokesman.

Peskov also said that the President was satisfied with the meeting with the Pontiff, he presented the pope made gold embroidered picture with the image of Christ the Savior Cathedral.

As previously wrote RBC, in the diplomatic service of the Vatican confirmed the information regarding the delay of Putin. At the meeting with the Pope Putin arrived on a long limousine in the motorcade of President were 13 cars, the source said RBC.

Communication Putin Francis lasted about 50 minutes behind closed doors. The two sides exchanged gifts – Putin received from Pope ancient medal with the image of an angel, “bringing peace and justice.” The response of the Russian delegation was present panels depicting Christ the Savior Cathedral.

According to the spokesperson, Putin described the meeting with the pope as a very deep and thorough. During the conversation touched on the situation in Ukraine, the president and the pope discussed the universal and humanitarian values. “Both sides expressed concern about the situation of Christians in the Middle East, first of all, of course, those situations that often involve a threat to the life of Christians in Syria and the ongoing conflict there. Indeed, it is rather a crisis situation, “- said Peskov.

According to the Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi, the Pope Francis expressed the hope” that all sides will make efforts to meet the Minsk agreement “and called” very important “initiative to address the humanitarian problems in the east of Ukraine.

According to agency Reuters, the Pope called on Putin to take” big and sincere “efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.

Press Secretary Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, said also responded to reports of the statements of the US Ambassador to the Vatican Ken Hackett, who said that the Holy See should take a tougher stance against Russia. “This is new, from our point of view, a new word in the world diplomatic practice. Of course, let’s say, to teach the Pope something and pretend to be entitled to teach the Pope – is a very important thing. But seriously, then perhaps it is a blatant case of trying to suppress the sovereignty of other countries. In another way to describe it is impossible, “- said Peskov.

The previous meeting between Putin and Francis was held in November 2013. Then the Russian president was late for 50 minutes.