Italy hides ancient museum nudes from Iranian president

At Rome’s Capitoline Museum, where Mr Rouhani and Mr Renzi met, nude statues were covered up and wine was removed from official menus out of respect for the Islamic Republic’s strict laws governing propriety.

The Catholic leader, who became pope nearly three years ago, has always stressed his beliefs against violence done in the name of religion.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani didn’t have to see the sensitive bits of some of Italy’s greatest works of art when he visited the country.

It was the prime minister’s office that reportedly made the decision to cover up the statues, as the Capitoline Museum is managed by the government.

The covering of the statues was done out of “a form of respect to the culture and sensitivity of Iran”, an Italian news source reported.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Rome, Monday.

 President Rouhani on Tuesday visited Pope Francis in the Vatican in the first meeting between a pontiff and an Iranian leader since 1999.

The meeting was 40-minutes long and the talks involved Pope Francis, President Rouhani, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

Rouhani’s schedule for this trip includes no meals with French officialdom.

Taking his leave, Rouhani asked the pope to pray for him. The Holy See later said talks “delved into the conclusion and application of the nuclear accord, and the important role that Iran is called upon to play, together with other countries of the region, was highlighted”.

As is customary during papal encounters with heads of state, both Francis and Rouhani exchanged gifts once their conversation was over.

“It’s possible, but the key is in Washington, not in Tehran”, he said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (right) after meeting with the Pope at the Vatican.

Francis was asked a year ago about the Charlie Hebdo attacks and suggested that a violent reaction could be expected when someone’s faith was insulted.

He made the comments hours before arriving in Paris on the next leg of his European trip.