For the first time, US President Barack Obama met Roman Catholic leader Pope Francis on Thursday. Obama and the Pope had a 52 minute meeting in a private audience as a part of the President’s tour in Europe and the Middle East. This was according to a report from NBC News.
Inside the Apostolic Palace, Obama and the Pope shook hands and smiled warmly in front of a number of cameras. Obama told Pope Francis, "Thank you, it's so nice to see you, good to see ya. I'm a great admirer."
The two leaders sat inside the papal library where Pope Francis quietly uttered, "Welcome, Mr. President" in English before talking in Italian.
Obama’s visit to the Vatican is a change in audience after three days of meetings with European leaders directed to creating a response to Russia’s takeover of Crimea. Obama is the ninth president to officially visit Vatican, reported NBC.
The talks between the Pope and Obama did not meet both ends as the Vatican made a clear stand regarding Obamacare, which mandates contraception under health insurance coverage. Both leaders have different views regarding gay marriage, abortion rights and contraception. However, they were on the common ground regarding social justice and poverty.
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