Nude statues covered in Roman museum during Iranian president's visit

Hassan Rouhani is the first president of Iran to officially visit Europe in 16 years, and in preparation for his stop there, Rome's Capitoline Museums covered up any nude statues he might see.

Rouhani and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi met in a room at the museum on Monday to make a joint statement, and the statues in rooms adjacent to their gathering place were covered with white panels. The Italian news media said it was done to "show respect to Iranian culture and sensitivity," CNN reports, but some Italians on social media — using the hashtag #statuenude — said it was an affront to their culture. Many posted photos of famous sculptures sans clothing, with captions like "Ciao, Rouhani."

When he wasn't not looking at nude statues, Rouhani met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Pope Francis, and signed $18 billion worth of business deals with Italian companies, CNN reports.

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