President Obama Meets With Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY — President Obama met for the first time with Pope Francis on Thursday, sitting across from the pope at a simple desk in the papal library for a discussion that was expected to explore their philosophical common ground and their differences.
Arriving at the Vatican for his morning meeting, Mr. Obama enthusiastically greeted the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. “Wonderful meeting you,” the president said. “Thank you sir, thank you.” A few minutes later, as he entered the library, the president added “It is a great honor. I’m a great admirer. Thank you so much for receiving me.”
It was the second papal meeting for Mr. Obama, who met Pope Benedict XVI on a prior visit to the Vatican. But the visit with Francis was laden with more symbolism as both men share similar ambitions to change the economic fortunes of working class people and the poor.
The 52-minute long meeting also came amid some serious disagreements between the Catholic Church in America and Mr. Obama’s administration on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and contraception.
Mr. Obama entered the Vatican just before 10:30 a.m., making his way through the center of Clementine Hall, a large anteroom. He proceeded past a dozen members of the Swiss Guard, standing at attention in their traditional purple and gold striped uniforms, designed originally by Michelangelo, with helmets that have bright red plumes.
Before moving into the private meeting with Francis, the president said, “I bring greetings from my family. The last time I came here to meet your predecessor, I was able to bring my wife and children.”
White House officials said that Mr. Obama presented the pope with a custom-made seed chest featuring a variety of fruit and vegetable seeds used in the White House Garden. Officials said the chest with the seeds was made from reclaimed wood from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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