Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated the Pope on his 80th birthday and highlighted his enormous personal contribution to strengthening relations between Russia and the Vatican, which have recently reached a new level.
The President of Russia and His Holiness the Pope shared their opinions on the protection of Christians in areas of regional conflicts and the importance of a constructive inter-faith dialogue for preserving fundamental moral values in international affairs.
Special attention was paid to cooperation between Russia and the Vatican in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.
Earlier Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Pope Francis.
See also
Congratulatory message to Pope Francis
December 17, 2016