PM Modi meets Pope Francis in Italy, invites him to visit India

Pope Francis joined other world leaders to discuss pressing global issues at the summit.

PM Modi was seen in a light-hearted exchange with the 87-year-old head of the worldwide Catholic Church, who was seen in a wheelchair as they embraced at the summit venue - Borgo Egnazia.

PM Modi posted photos from the meeting and wrote: "Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India."

In an address at an Outreach session of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia region, Prime Minister Modi said the countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of uncertainties and tensions around the world.

"We have to collectively ensure that the benefits of technology reach all sections of society, to realize the potential of every person in the society, to help in removing social inequalities, and expand human powers instead of limiting them. This should not only be our desire, but our responsibility. We have to convert monopoly in technology into mass usage," he said.

"We have to make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. India is striving for a better future through its human-centric approach. India is among the first few countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence," the Indian PM said.