Pope Francis met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Thursday, October 3, for a range of talks including discussions on protecting Christian communities in the Middle East and advancing religious freedom.
Pompeo, whose trip to Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Greece has been overshadowed by an impeachment inquiry at home targeting President Donald Trump, met the pope for about a half an hour. "They reaffirmed the United States and Holy See commitment to advancing religious freedom around the world, and in particular, protecting Christian communities in the Middle East," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said.
Ancient Christian communities face persecution or harassment in some Middle Eastern countries, and many Christians have left to build new lives in the West.
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