Pope Francis meets Chilean President Bachelet, her mother

Santiago, Jan 16 : Pope Francis had a private meeting Tuesday with Chilean President Michele Bachelet in the La Moneda palace's Blue Hall and was introduced to her 91-year-old mother, Angela Jeria, who was tortured by the military regime that ruled the South American country from 1973 to 1990.

Bachelet, whose term ends in March and will be succeeded by Sebastian Pin era, spoke with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for about 25 minutes before exchanging gifts, reported Efe news agency.

The Pope gave Bachelet a medallion minted to commemorate his visit and depicting Teresa de los Andes and Alberto Hurtado, two Chilean saints.

At the end of the meeting, he was introduced to Jeria.

In an address to government officials earlier, Francis congratulated Pinera, saying "he has recently received a mandate from the Chilean people to lead the country over the next four years."