Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Blair talks with Pope in Vatican

Times Online
June 23, 2007
8:57 AM

GERARD O'CONNELL IN ROME FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES

Tony Blair met Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican this morning for the last time in his capacity as prime minister.

After the Pope welcomed Mr Blair into his private study, the prime minister told him he had just flown in from the European Union summit in Brussels where European leaders reached agreement on a deal last night.

"I heard it was very successful," the Pope told Mr Blair.

"Yes, but it was a very long night. We finished up at 5.30 in the morning," the prime minister said.

The two men met privately for 25 minutes and then were joined for further talks by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

A Vatican source later told The Sunday Times that he could not recall a similar occasion in living memory when a cardinal had joined a prime minister or head of state during his private audience with the pope.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 4:07 PM