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Syrian refugee Pope took to Rome 'overwhelmed'

A Syrian refugee taken to Rome by the Pope and offered the chance to start a new life with her family in Italy has said she is "overwhelmed" by the Pontiff's kindness.

In a symbolic gesture, the Pope finished his tour of the Greek island of Lesbos on Saturday by taking three Syrian families with him back to the Vatican.

The 12 refugees, including six children, accompanied the Pontiff on his return journey arriving at the Sant'Egidio community centre on Saturday night where they began their new life.

During his trip he vowed solidarity with refugees, telling them they were "not alone", while he also laid memorials for those who have died at sea crossing to Europe.

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Pope to take 'vulnerable' refugees back to Vatican

The refugees are expected to be among "vulnerable groups" Credit: Reuters

Pope Francis wants to take a number of refugees back from Lesbos to the Vatican with him, a Greek official has said.

The refugees are expected to be among "vulnerable groups" who arrived on the Greek island before an EU-Turkey deportation deal took effect in March.

An official of Greece's state refugee coordination agency couldn't confirm whether this would take place immediately after the pontiff's five-hour trip to Lesbos.

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