Pope Francis, Merkel Discuss Global Issues, Poverty Ahead of G7 Summit

Pope Francis and German Chancellor Merkel discussed the fight against poverty and hunger, the human trafficking, the rights of women, global health and environment protection.

VATICAN (Sputnik) — Pope Francis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed a number of global issues during a meeting in the Vatican Apostolic Palace on Saturday, the Vatican press service said.

"During the cordial discussions, and in view of the upcoming G7 Summit to be held in Bavaria, special attention was paid to various questions of an International nature," the statement said.

In particular, Pope Francis and Merkel discussed the fight against poverty and hunger, the human trafficking, the rights of women, global health and environment protection, according to the press service.

Pope and Merkel exchanged souvenirs. The German chancellor also gave the pope an envelope with a donation for the needs of refugee children from the Middle East, including Syria and Iraq.

At the end of the meeting, the parties underlined the commitment to reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

Germany took over the G7 presidency in June 2014 and is scheduled to host an annual meeting of G7 leaders in June 2015.