Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pope Francis met in the Vatican on Monday, Nov 25, for one-on-one talks that were expected to focus on the ongoing war in Syria, according to RIA Novosti.

Putin’s spokesman said the meeting appears to go very well and that the encounter lasted twice as long as had been planned.

Putin and the pontiff exchanged gifts, and the pope asked the Russian leader to send his regards to Patriarch Kirill, who heads the Russian Orthodox Church.

Relations between the two churches have been strained over a few issues that have prevented the churches’ leaders from meeting. The Moscow Patriarchate has in particular accused the Vatican of trying to lead believers away from the Russian Church – an accusation the Roman Catholics have denied.

Putin and Italian President Giorgio Napolitano were also due to hold talks Monday.