Iranian leader gives pope rug, wants Francis to pray for him

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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, left, leafs through a book he gave to Pope Francis as a gift, during their private audience at the Vatican,Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. Iran’s president has paid a call on Pope Francis at the Vatican during a European visit aimed at positioning Tehran as a potential top player in efforts to resolve Middle East conflicts, including Syria’s civil war. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)

VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Iran's president and Pope Francis have exchanged gifts and wishes for hope and prayers after they met privately at the Vatican.

President Hassan Rouhani brought the pope a red-toned carpet, about 80 centimeters (32 inches) by 1.2 meters (4 feet) and explained that the rug was hand-made in the holy city of Qom. Francis seemed curious as Hassan leafed through a book illustrating Iranian artworks, another gift.

Francis shook hands warmly with Rouhani, who is trying to shape a role as regional conflict solver for Iran after the recent nuclear accord led the West to lift sanctions.

The pope's gift had a spiritual spin. Francis bestowed a medal depicting St. Martin giving his cloak to a shivering man, saying the gesture represents a sign of brotherhood.