Special to WorldTribune.com

Italy on Jan. 25 covered nude statues in deference to the visiting leader of one of the world’s top state sponsors of terrorism.

Nude statues at Rome’s Capitoline Museum were covered by large white panels in an effort to avoid any offense to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who met with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

The decision to cover the artwork was made by the prime minister’s office “as a sign of respect for the Iranian president,” according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

Meanwhile, Rouhani on Jan. 26 had a private meeting with Pope Francis where the two leaders held “cordial” talks, the Vatican said, adding that the two shared “common spiritual values.”

“I thank you very much for the visit. I have high hopes in peace,” the pope told Rouhani, according to the Catholic News Service. Rouhani responded by asking the pope to pray for him.

The Vatican has long maintained diplomatic relations with Teheran even as most of the western world ceased diplomatic relations. The last meeting between a pope and Iranian head of state took place in 1999.

  Hassan Rouhani, Italy covers naked statues in ‘sign of respect’ for visiting Iran leader, Matteo Renzi, Pope Francis, WorldTribune.com