British Prime Minister Tony Blair held private talks with Pope Benedict today, stoking speculation he might convert to Catholicism after he steps down next week.
Mr Blair's gift to the Pope were original photographs of John Henry Newman, a 19th century Anglican leader who was one of Britain's most illustrious converts to Catholicism.
Mr Blair, on the final leg of his farewell world tour, spoke privately with the Pope for 25 minutes in the pontiff's study and the talks were then enlarged to include Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, head of England's Roman Catholics.
A Vatican statement made no reference to the issue of possible conversion of Mr Blair who is Anglican. Mr Blair's wife, Cherie, and their four children are Catholics.
Cherie accompanied Mr Blair to the Vatican and was introduced to the Pope with the British delegation at the end of the private talks. She wore a black dress and a black veil.
The Pope and Mr Blair discussed the international situation, Europe and the Middle East, the statement said. The Vatican welcomed Mr Blair's intention to work for Middle East peace and inter-religious dialogue after he steps down on Wednesday.
In an interview with the Times Magazine today, Blair indicated his conversion may not be just around the corner.
Asked if he would convert, Mr Blair said: "I don't want to talk about it. It's difficult with some of these things. Things aren't always as resolved as they might be."