Pope receives Iran's President at Vatican with warm welcome and private meeting

Pope Francis welcomed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to the Vatican on Tuesday.

The two held a private talk that lasted 40 minutes.

They discussed ideas over addressing conflict in the Middle East and the need to combat terrorism, according to the Vatican.

Rouhani is on a trip to Europe, looking to usher in a new era of warmer ties – after years of crippling sanctions imposed by the West over Iran’s nuclear programme.

He is leading a 120-member delegation, that includes government ministers and business leaders, for the five days of meetings in Italy and France.

14 economic & coop agreements signed w/ Italy. New chapter in economic ties & scientific-cultural exchange has begun pic.twitter.com/CSJM1LgvyS

— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 26, 2016