Blair has 'cordial' private meeting with the Pope
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At a "cordial" meeting lasting 35 minutes, Tony Blair and Pope Benedict XVI yesterday discussed terrorism, globalisation and related issues.
After the private meeting, the Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair and the couple's children joined the two men. It was the second meeting between Mrs Blair and the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in less than three months: in April Mrs Blair was addressing a Vatican audience on the challenges of motherhood when the Pope unexpectedly invited her into his study.
Mr Blair last visited the Vatican in 2003. That visit was overshadowed by the previous Pope's hostility to the Iraq war. Benedict has given no hint about his views on that subject, and it was not discussed yesterday. The Vatican and Downing Street spokesmen said the two men "discussed Africa at some length", China and Northern Ireland.
"One of the themes of discussion was how the moderate voices in all the world's major religions need to stand up to religious extremism in all its forms," according to Downing Street. Mr Blair has invited the Pope to visit Britain but neither side would be drawn on when or if the visit might take place.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments