Francis leaves all protocol and thanks Argentina president’s gifts with a kiss

March 18, 2013

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President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner met with Pope Francis in the Vatican, where the president gave different gifts to the high priest, as a mate and a book. The Pope thanked the gifts and out of all the mandatory protocol kissed her on the cheek. Cristina said: “I had never been kissed by a pope.”

These were delivered just started the meeting between the president and the pope. Francisco gave a majolica containing the image of St. Peter’s Square to Cristina.

Then both went to a hall of Santa Marta residence for lunch all alone.

The Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the meeting between Cristina Fernandez and Francisco is performed as a courtesy to the country of origin of the Pope and explained he very warmly greeted the delegation accompanying the head of state.