The Sudanese Christian woman, Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, who was spared a death sentence for renouncing Islam has flown to Italy after more than a month in the US embassy in Khartoum. Meriam and her family flew on an Italian government plane, accompanied by Italian minister Lapo Pistelli. Mr Pistelli. Meriam Ibrahim, her husband Daniel Wani and their two children Martin and Maya, met with Pope Francis at Casa Santa Martath inside the Vatican.
According to the head of the Vatican Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, the meeting took place in a 'very serene & affectionate' environment, and Pope Francis thanked Meriam for her 'courageous witness to perseverance in the Faith.' Fr. Lombardi said Meriam thanked the Pope for his prayers, saying they provided great support and encouragement to her during her ordeal.
Meriam Ibrahim's daughter Maya was born in prison in May, shortly after Mrs Ibrahim was sentenced to hang for apostasy - renouncing one's faith - sparking global outrage. Under intense international pressure, her conviction was quashed and she was freed in June. She was given South Sudanese travel documents but was arrested at Khartoum airport, accused of using fake identity papers.
