Obama Meets at Vatican With Pope

By VOA News
July 10, 2009


U.S. President Barack Obama (L) waves as he is greeted by The Vatican gentlemen as he arrives for an audience with Pope Benedict XVI at The Vatican, 10 Jul 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict have met at the Vatican, following the summit of leaders of the world's eight richest countries in Italy's earthquake-shattered town of L'Aquila.

No information was immediately available about the substance of the discussions, which concluded with an exchange of gifts. The pope also received U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and a number of presidential aides.

Earlier, a U.S. official, Denis McDonough, said that given the global influence of the Roman Catholic Church, this would be much more than a state visit. He said Mr. Obama and the pontiff would have "frank" talks on issues on which they disagree, such as abortion, along with issues on which they agree, such as helping the poor.

Earlier this week, the pontiff called for a new global economy driven by "people-centered ethics" and not just profit.

Mr. Obama will now travel to Ghana, on his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.