Pope Francis met Tuesday in the Vatican with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and called on Tehran to work with other Middle Eastern countries to promote peace and stop the spread of militant attacks and arms trafficking, Reuters reported.
A statement from the Vatican issued shortly after their meeting mentioned the "relevant role Iran is called on to play" to find political solutions to problems in the Middle East, specifically mentioning "terrorism" and weapons trafficking.
The meeting between the Pope and the Iranian President is the first of its kind since 1999, when Pope John Paul II met with former president Mohammad Khatami at the Vatican.
Rouhani arrived in Rome Monday on a trip to meet with European leaders following the historic implementation of the nuclear deal and lifting of economic sanctions.
Rouhani will meet Wednesday in Paris with senior French officials.
