Pope Francis has met privately with a Sudanese mother in Rome who was put on death row for refusing to become a Muslim, blessing both her and her 2 months old baby she had while in prison.
The Vatican said Pope Francis had 'a very affectionate' meeting with Meriam Ibrahim, 27, her husband and their two small children.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said: 'The Pope thanked Meriam and her family for their courageous witness and constancy of faith. For her part, Meriam expressed gratitude to the Pope for the great support and comfort she received from his prayers and from so many others believers of good will.'
ARREST, RELEASE AND REARREST: A TIMELINE OF MERIAM'S ORDEAL
2011: Meriam Ibrahim marries Daniel Wani after they meet when the American visits Khartoum.
August 2013: A relative alleges that her marriage to Wani, a Christian, constitutes adultery. Wani is accused of converting a Muslim, leading Ibrahim to also be accused of adultery.
February 17, 2014: Meriam is transferred prison with her 20-month-old son Martin and separated from her husband.
March 4: Court charges Meriam with apostasy and adultery
April 30: Meriam is convicted of all charges and is given 15 days to recant her beliefs.
May 11: She is sentenced to 100 lashes and death by hanging.
May 27: Meriam gives birth to a baby girl, Maya, in prison. According to her husband, Ibrahim's legs were kept in chains while she was in labour.
June 8: A Sudanese appeals court has started deliberating on Meriam's case.
June 12: Demonstrators gather outside the White House to demand Meriam be freed.
June 23: Meriam is released from prison.
June 24: Less than 24 hours later, Meriam and her husband were arrested at a Sudanese airport as they sought to leave the country with their two children.
July 24: After intense negotiations, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli secures the family's release and flies to Rome with them.
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