A Present Fit For a Leader: Putin and Pope Francis Exchange Aptly Themed Gifts (Video)

VATICAN CITY (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his visit to the Vatican on Thursday, presented Pope Francis with a Saints Peter and Paul Icon as well as an album of Michelangelo works, while the pontiff gifted the Russian leader a medal, address to the youth and 18th century picture with a view on the Vatican.

Presenting the picture, Pope Francis noted: "So that you do not forget Rome – here is an 18th-century drawing."

Putin, in turn, pledged to find the most worthy place for the piece of art.

Audience of Pope Francis with Vladimir Putin 4 July 2019 HD https://t.co/rMjFuvdc3s via @YouTube

— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) 4 июля 2019 г.

​Russian reporters covering the visit, meanwhile, received rosaries with a silver crucifix from the pontiff. Pope Francis also shook hands with all members of the Russian delegation and journalists.

The riza icon that Putin presented to the Pope was made at an art and production enterprise of the Russian Orthodox Church, Sofrino, with prices for such works totalling up to 119,000 rubles ($1,900), according to the company’s website.