The Russian President met with the prefect of the Papal Household, James Michael Harvey, at the entrance to the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s residence.
In the San Damasco courtyard of the Papal Palace the Swiss Guard performed a ceremonial honour guard on behalf of the important Russian guest. Vladimir Putin then went to the Library’s private chambers to meet with the Pope.
Vladimir Putin discussed topical international issues with Pope Benedict XVI in detail and, in particular, the situation in the world’s most troubled regions. The President transmitted a greeting from His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All-Russia Aleksei II to Pope Benedict XVI. In turn, the Pope asked Vladimir Putin to convey his response to Patriarch Aleksei II. The audience lasted for about 40 minutes.
The heads of state exchanged gifts. Vladimir Putin gave Pope Benedict XVI a new two-volume edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia in Russian and an icon of Saint Nikolai Chudotvorets (Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker) done in the style of Palekh lacquer miniature by artist Gennadi Kochetov.
Benedict XVI gave the President of Russia an antique etching by two German masters that represents St Paul’s Cathedral in the Vatican.
This is Vladimir Putin’s third visit to the Vatican. This is also the Russian head of state’s first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.