On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India, expressing his admiration for the Pope's dedication to serving people. The two leaders met warmly during the G7 Summit's Outreach session in Apulia, southern Italy. The session included discussions on key topics such as artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

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"Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India," PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter).

This gesture comes as Modi and his party, the BJP, continue to engage with the Christian community ahead of India's upcoming general elections.

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At the summit, Pope Francis, who was seen in a light-hearted exchange with Modi, was taken around the venue in a wheelchair to greet world leaders. In his address, the Pope emphasized the importance of responsibly using artificial intelligence, addressing participants from the G7 and other leaders from the Global South, who were invited by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, the host of this year's summit.

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PM Modi Highlights India's Achievements to Pope Francis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed Pope Francis on India's ambitious efforts to combat climate change and its success in administering over one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. The Pope expressed his appreciation for India's assistance to countries in need during the pandemic.

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According to the Prime Minister's Office, India and the Holy See, the Vatican-based government of the Catholic Church, have enjoyed friendly relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1948.

India, home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia, is hopeful for a papal visit next year.

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