Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi confirmed that Pope Francis visited with Fidel Castro for 40 minutes, during which they discussed the international situation as well as issues involving the environment.

Lombardi said that during their visit, the Bishop of Rome gave the Cuban leader a gift consisting of a collection of texts on theological themes. And Fidel presented Pope Francis with a personally autographed book by Brazilian theologian Frei Betto entitled "Fidel and Religion."

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