President Ts.Elbegdorj met with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Monday. During the visit, the head of Gandantegchinlen Temple, Khamba Lam Choijamts, was introduced to the pope by Ts.Elbegdorj.

A papal official, Plano Carpini, said that Mongolia and Italy have had relations since ancient times, noting that the Italian explorer Marco Polo lived in the empire of Kublai Khan.

During his meeting with the pope, Ts.Elbegdorj thanked him for his efforts on behalf of world peace and his humanitarian initiatives, and noted that religion can be a crucial tool for fostering cooperation in the world.

Pope Benedict thanked Ts.Elbegdorj for visiting the Vatican, and the two men exchanged their views on climate change, environmental issues, poverty reduction, food shortages, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

President Ts.Elbegdorj also requested permission for Mongolian researchers to further study materials in the Vatican archives. Mongolian scholars Sh.Bira and D.Tsedensodnom conducted research in the archives in 2001.

The pope agreed to a joint research project in the archives. The two men also agreed to cooperate in the training of Mongolians researchers in Latin.

Ts.Elbegdorj also invited Pope Benedict to visit Mongolia.