Only 250 feet separate the European Parliament from the Council of Europe. While other ;visits usually have him surrounded by people, this time he was flanked by a large security detail. ;
Pope Francis arrived at 12:30, where he was welcomed by the Council's president, Thorbjørn Jagland.
While formal protocol was followed during his visit, some people just couldn't contain their excitement at seeing him. ;
As in the European Parliament, Pope Francis signed the book of honor of the Council of Europe. There was also an exchange of gifts, in which the Pope gave a medallion of the Angel of Peace. ;
Upon entering the chamber, the members of the Council of Europe welcomed Pope Francis with a standing ovation. ;
Founded in 1949, this European institution oversees the protection of democracy, human rights and rule of law in the continent. Among the 47 member states are Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. ;
In his address, Pope Francis called on the member states to work for a peace founded on a common unity. He compared this peace to the branches of a tree whose root is the Truth. The members listened attentively to his address, that was followed with a standing ovation. ;
Although the visit to Strasbourg was only a formal visit and not apostolic, the Pope had the chance to greet a few people waiting inside the Council headquarters to greet hime. ;
Before boarding the car that would take him to the airport, Pope Francis greeted this young disabled person. Seeing the Pope approaching, the young man stood up to greet him. ;
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