The Vatican said Pope Francis had ‘a very affectionate’ meeting with Meriam Ibrahim, 27, her husband and their two small children. Ms Ibrahim, and her family arrived at Rome’s Ciampino airport at around 9.30am on a plane provided by the Italian government (inset). The Sudanese mother in Rome who was put on death row for refusing to become a Muslim, blessing both her and the baby she had while in prison. The Vatican said Pope Francis had ‘a very affectionate’ meeting with Meriam Ibrahim, 27, her husband and their two small children.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said: ‘The Pope thanked Meriam and her family for their courageous witness and constancy of faith. For her part, Meriam expressed gratitude to the Pope for the great support and comfort she received from his prayers and from so many others believers of good will.’ He blessed Ms Ibrahim as she held her baby daughter Maya in her arms whom she gave birth to in prison two months ago.

More pictures here - http://.com/2014/07/25/photos-sudanese-woman-who-was-put-on-death-row-for-marrying-a-christian-meets-pope-francis-in-rome/

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