Sudanese woman meets Pope Francis
Meriam Ibrahim, a Christian Sudanese woman spared a death sentence for apostasy after an international outcry, has met Pope Francis after arriving in Italy, The Guardian reported.
The 27-year-old and her family were received at the pontiff's guesthouse for just under 30 minutes in an atmosphere "of serenity and tenderness", Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement.
"The pope thanked Meriam and her family for their courageous demonstration of constancy of faith. Meriam gave thanks for the great support and comfort which she received from the prayers of the pope and of many other people who believe and are of good will."
Francis, 77, also wanted the meeting to have a symbolic aspect, Lombardi said. "With this gesture the pope wished also to show his closeness, attention and prayer for all those who suffer because of their faith and in particular Christians who suffer persecution or restriction to their freedom of religion."
Earlier on Thursday, Italian television showed Ibrahim leaving the aircraft at Ciampino airport in Rome accompanied by her husband, two children and Italy's vice-minister for foreign affairs, Lapo Pistelli.