PM Modi and Pope Francis Embrace at G7 Summit, Discuss Global Challenges
Bari, Italy – June 14, 2024 – In a moment symbolic of global unity and mutual respect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis shared a warm embrace during the Outreach session of the G7 Summit held in Apulia, southern Italy. The session, which addressed critical issues like Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, saw leaders from the G7 and various Global South nations convening under the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, the current G7 president.
The meeting between Modi and Pope Francis was marked by a friendly exchange, reflecting the deepening ties between India and the Vatican. Pope Francis, at 87, attended the session in a wheelchair, personally greeting each leader, including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
“It is up to each of us to make good use of AI,” Pope Francis stated during his address, emphasizing the ethical and responsible use of technology in solving global problems. His words resonated with the assembly, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
Prime Minister Modi’s interaction with Pope Francis was particularly significant, considering their previous meeting in October 2021 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. During that private audience, they discussed the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact and the global climate crisis. Modi briefed the Pope on India’s ambitious climate initiatives and the successful administration of over one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. Pope Francis appreciated India’s efforts in providing assistance to countries in need during the pandemic.
The historical and diplomatic relationship between India and the Holy See has been robust since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. India, home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia, looks forward to a potential papal visit next year, which would further strengthen these relations.
The G7 Summit’s Outreach session provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among world leaders, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in tackling global issues. Prime Minister Modi’s participation highlighted India’s proactive role on the global stage, advocating for sustainable development and ethical governance in technology.
As the session concluded, the image of Modi and Pope Francis’s embrace symbolized hope and solidarity, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through dialogue and cooperation. This meeting at the G7 Summit not only underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders but also reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between India and the Vatican.