Iranian president pays Pope Francis a visit in Vatican, asks to 'pray for him'

The Iranian president met with the Pope Tuesday, for the first time since 1999. The two reportedly talked about several issues, and the chief executive had one request from the Holy See: "pray for me."

President Hassan Rouhani paid Pope Francis a visit after meeting with several business leaders in Italy, in a motorcade composed of two dozen limousines. Rouhani brought a red, hand-made carpet that was crafted in the holy city of Qhom. 

Pope Francis returned a gift of a medal showing St. Martin helping a poor man. He said that it is a sign of 'brotherhood.'

The visit to the Vatican was part of the president's four-day trip to Italy and France, where he aims to reach out to 'old partners' in the industry.

According to Fox News, Iran wants to mediate in Middle East conflicts as well as limit its nuclear activities in exchange for lifting economic sanctions that were placed on the country.

After the 40-minute meeting with Pope Francis, the Iranian president reportedly requested for the pope to pray for him.

Rouhani has been under fire from his international counterparts due to the country's 'secretive' nuclear actvities, the support for terrorism, and allegations of human rights violations. 

But the chief executive hopes to regain the trust of its former economic partners, particularly countries in Europe. In a meeting in Italy, Rouhani said that "Iran is the safest and most stable country of the entire region."