June 14th 2024.
During the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in Bari, Italy, on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis shared a warm embrace as they joined other world leaders to discuss pressing global issues. The location of the summit, Apulia in southern Italy, added to the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the meeting.
Modi was seen engaging in a light-hearted exchange with the 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church, who was in a wheelchair and was taken around the table to greet each of the world leaders present at the summit venue of Borgo Egnazia. It was heartwarming to witness the Pope's efforts to personally greet and connect with every leader, including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, among others.
The Outreach session focused on crucial topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It was attended by the participants of the G7 as well as other leaders from the Global South, invited by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in her role as the president of this year's summit. During his address, the Pope emphasized the importance of utilizing Artificial Intelligence for the greater good of humanity.
This is not the first time Modi and Pope Francis have met. In October 2021, the Prime Minister had a private audience with the Pope at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The two leaders had discussed the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for global cooperation and action. They also exchanged views on climate change and its impact on the world.
Modi also took the opportunity to brief the Pope about India's efforts in combatting climate change and its successful administration of one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses. The Pope is said to have appreciated India's assistance to other countries during the pandemic. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that India and the Holy See have had friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. With India being home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia, there is hope for a papal visit next year.
The warm embrace between Modi and Pope Francis at the G7 Summit reflects the strong bond and mutual respect between the two leaders and their commitment to working together for the betterment of the world. As the summit concluded, it was evident that the discussions and interactions between world leaders will pave the way for meaningful collaborations and initiatives to address global challenges. This is a positive step towards building a better and more united world for all.
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