German Chancellor Scholz has audience with Pope Francis

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 2 - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday had an audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican in a meeting that lasted a little more than half an hour.
    Scholz told reporters that he discussed "the world's big problems" with the pontiff.
    "We are worried about Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine," Scholz said.
    "We addressed the war in the Middle East and discussed how to bring peace to our world.
    "We also addressed other issues immigration, social justice, coexistence between people" he added, saying the conversation was "personally important" in these "difficult times we are experiencing" Scholz also had a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
    The Vatican said the discussions were "cordial" and that "special reference" was made to "the conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and Palestine, and the consequent commitment to peace, in the tireless pursuit of a diplomatic solution leading to an end to hostilities as soon as possible".
    Scholz, who is also in Rome to attend the 2024 Party of European Socialists (PES) Election Congress, had a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday. (ANSA).