New Delhi: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Pope Francis to visit his country – a significant turnaround after negotiations for a papal visit to India collapsed in 2017. The invitation came after Mr Modi shared images of his first private meeting with the Pope at the Vatican. The Indian prime minister is attending G20 summit of major world economies being held in Rome. The last pope to visit India was John Paul II in 1999. Analysts suggest Mr Modi’s invitation is significant because of concerns about an increase in discrimination and violence against religious minorities in India, including Christians. Mr Modi’s party, the BJP, has been accused of pursuing a pro-Hindu identity and agenda – something he denies. In a tweet announcing the invitation, the prime minister said he had “a very warm meeting” with Pope Francis, and “had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him”.
