ROME – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on the leader of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Francis on Tuesday at the Vatican, a face-to-face encounter that speaks to a changing geopolitical landscape and both men’s significant role in it. The Vatican later offered a glimpse into what it called cordial discussions touching on Iran’s nuclear accord and problems afflicting the Middle East. While the Vatican news release didn’t mention any specific group or country, no doubt the agenda included talk about the years-long war and humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighboring Iraq. “The both sides highlighted the importance of inter-religious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peace,” the Vatican said. The both dignitaries had planned to meet in November last year, according to official Iranian and Vatican news outlets. But Rouhani postponed that meeting, and his entire trip to Europe, following that month’s coordinated terrorist massacre in Paris. They entered Tuesday’s talks with high expectations at a time when Iran’s role in global affairs has evolved considerably. Just last fall, Tehran was still subject to widespread sanctions over its nuclear program. Those sanctions have recently been lifted as part of a deal that Rouhani championed, arguing since his 2013 election that it’s in his nation’s best interest to resolve the issue and become more involved in world economic and political affairs.