At Vatican, a friendly exchange
Meeting of pope, president focuses on environment, peace, religious freedom and ‘potica’
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis welcomed President Donald Trump to the cradle of Roman Catholicism on Wednesday, delivering a message of peace even as the pontiff emphasized his role as the world’s moral counterpoint to the president’s nationalist agenda.
The two met in the pope’s private study for nearly half an hour, joined only by an interpreter. The pontiff, in white papal dress and a pectoral cross on a chain around his neck, sat behind a small desk while Trump, in a dark suit and navy striped tie, took the single chair across from him as if interviewing for a job.
After some initial awkwardness — Trump looked somewhat uneasy as he was kept waiting for a few seconds in the Saint Ambrose room before shaking hands with Francis, who was stone-faced at first — the atmosphere soon warmed.
The pair seemed to set aside their differences from last year’s campaign, with Trump appearing both presidential and deferential, while the pope, smiling slightly, seemed to be visually appraising him.
A brief Vatican communique later called the meeting “cordial,” and expressed hope for collaboration with the administration on “health care, education and assistance to immigrants.”
It said Trump and Francis had exchanged views on “international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.”
Trump and Francis spoke about how religious communities can combat suffering in “crisis regions,” such as Syria, Libya and areas controlled by Islamic State terrorists, according to the White House. The president told the pope that their states share “many fundamental values,” such as promoting human rights, combating global famine and protecting religious freedom, the White House said.
Trump called the meeting “great” and “fantastic.”
“He is something,” Trump said of Francis. “We’re liking Italy very, very much, and it was an honor to be with the pope.”
Once Francis rang a bell signaling that the one-on-one discussion had concluded, the pair exchanged official gifts. The pope presented Trump with a medallion by a Roman artist in the shape of an olive tree, the symbol of peace. “We can use peace,” Trump said.
Trump gifted Francis a first-edition set of King’s five books, which were custom-bound and accented with gold hand-tooling. They were wrapped in a blue box. “These are books from Martin Luther King,” Trump said. “I think you will enjoy them.”
The president also presented a handmade bronze sculpture created by Florida artist Geoffrey Smith, titled Rising Above, and designed to evoke the values of unity and resilience.
At the Vatican, Francis also offered copies of his writings on the topics of family, the joy of the gospel and “care of our common home, the environment.”
“Well, I’ll be reading them,” the president said.
Arguably the West’s most influential leaders, Trump and Francis hold divergent worldviews on everything from migrant rights to climate change. Following their private meeting, Trump expressed gratitude for the audience.
“Thank you,” he said, shaking hands with the pontiff. “Thank you. I won’t forget what you said.”
First lady Melania Trump also was greeted by the pope and engaged in a brief conversation. The first lady chatted with Francis, who said something to her in English that made her laugh. “What do you give him to eat, potica?” Francis asked, referring to the president and a Slovenian dessert.
The first lady, who was born in Slovenia, smiled and repeated “potica.”
One of the pope’s attendants gave Melania Trump a small object that appeared to be a rosary, as she was walking away. She turned back and asked the pope to bless it, which he did.
Before departing the Vatican, the Trumps were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.