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Pope Francis receives President Obama


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Pope Francis and US President Barack Obama held a one hour meeting at the Vatican this morning. In a statement the Vatican said they discussed “current international themes” and expressed the hope that “in areas of conflict there would be respect for humanitarian and international law and a negotiated solution between the parties involved.”

The statement goes on to say that in the context of bilateral relations between the US and the Holy See, the Pope and the President discussed “questions of particular relevance for the Church in that country, such as the exercise of the rights to religious freedom, life and conscientious objection, as well as the issue of immigration reform.” Finally the statement notes that Pope Francis and President Obama spoke of a “common commitment to the eradication of human trafficking.

The full English text of the statement released by the Holy See press office follows:

This morning, 27 March 2014, the Hon Barack H Obama, President of the United States of America, was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Francis, after which he met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial meetings, views were exchanged on some current international themes and it was hoped that, in areas of conflict, there would be respect for humanitarian and international law and a negotiated solution between the parties involved. In the context of bilateral relations and cooperation between Church and State, there was a discussion on questions of particular relevance for the Church in that country, such as the exercise of the rights to religious freedom, life and conscientious objection, as well as the issue of immigration reform. Finally, the common commitment to the eradication of trafficking of human persons in the world was stated.

When Pope Francis welcomed Obama to his office the President said: "It is a great honour. I'm a great admirer. Thank you so much for receiving me."

Obama invited the Pope to visit the White House as he was giving Francis a symbolic gift of seeds of fruit and vegetables from the garden of the White House. The presidential office said other seeds would be donated in the United States that will yield several tons of produce to a charity of Pope Francis' choosing.

"If you have a chance, you can come to the White House and you can see the garden," Obama said to the pope as he was explaining the gift to the Pope.

The Holy Father responding in Spanish, said "Como no?" (For sure!)

Pope Francis gave Mr Obama two medals and a leather-bound copy of Evangeli Gaudium.

Obama said: "I actually will probably read this when I'm in the Oval Office, when I am deeply frustrated, and I am sure it will give me strength."

After meeting the Pope, Mr Obama headed to meetings with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

See a filmed BBC report of the meeting here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26761181

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