Italian president first head of state to meet new Pope

Pope Benedict XVI met with the Italian president today in the first formal audience for a head of state since he was elected pontiff.

Italian president first head of state to meet new Pope

Pope Benedict XVI met with the Italian president today in the first formal audience for a head of state since he was elected pontiff.

The 30-minute meeting with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi took place in the papal library of the Apostolic Palace. The Vatican Swiss Guards, clad in colourful uniforms, stood to attention as the Italian President walked to the meeting with Benedict.

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