Before today’s catechesis, Pope Francis greeted the participants in the meeting arranged by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the “Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation”, in a room adjacent to the Paul VI Hall.

“I thank you very much for your visit, which I greatly appreciate”, he said. “I was very joyful when the President of Iran came here and had a very good impression of your culture when I was visited by the deputy president with a group of professors. This gave me a very positive impression and I was satisfied. And I am also pleased to see you here today, and that there is this very important dialogue. I ask you, please do not forget to pray for me, as I am in need of your prayers; and I thank you for this good will in dialogue, in closeness and in brotherhood. God bless you, and thank you”.