(Vatican City) – Pope Francis and President Trump — two of the most recognizable people in the world — met for 30 minutes in the Vatican, where the two likely discussed topics from immigration to Monday’s terror attack in the U.K.
Trump was joined by his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kushner and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Trump and the pope shook hands and Trump said, “Thank you so much.”
Once the two shook hands, they were led into the pope’s private study and were seated across from one another. Trump told the pope it was “a very great honor.”
The media was led out of the room, and the two talked for about 30 minutes. They left the meeting and shook hands. Pope Francis went on to attend his Wednesday address in the Vatican and Trump took a tour of the Sistine Chapel.
Despite the differences, the two men likely attempted to find common ground on denouncing religiously inspired violence and demanding Muslim leaders take a greater stand in rooting out fanaticism from their places of worship.
Both Trump and Francis expressed dismay at Monday night’s deadly blast at a concert in Manchester, England
The two men have significant history, having disagreed pointedly and publicly over subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism and climate change.
They also disagree on issues like the death penalty and the arms trade but share a fervent opposition to abortion.
Trump was accompanied for the audience by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, both dressed all in black, in keeping with traditional protocol that is no longer always observed by all female dignitaries visiting the Vatican.
The audience took place in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the official papal residence that Francis does not use, having opted instead for modest lodgings in a Vatican guesthouse.
Immediately after the meeting, the 80-year-old pope was due give his usual midweek address to the faithful St Peter’s square while the Trump couple are given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
