Calling himself a "great admirer" and greeting him with a warm handshake, President Obama met Pope Francis for the first time this morning at the Vatican. The pair sat in the Papal Library (along with their interpreters) and talked about mutual issues, like solving economic inequality.
Despite the warm preamble between the two men, sharp differences remain, including their views on abortion rights, contraception, and gay rights. The Vatican mentioned the "complex phase" of the relationship between it and the White House in regards to these issues. But the White House downplayed any differences the men would have, saying the meeting was for them "to get to know each other personally" and improve relations.
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