Pope Francis Receives US President Donald J. Trump

Pope Francis received President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, today, May 24, 2017, at about 8:30 a.m. in the Apostolic Palace, before Francis’ weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
The meeting was broadcasted by Vatican Television and can be watched via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVCm1-toVFg
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions, which lasted about 30 minutes, were cordial.
«Satisfaction was expressed,» the statement said, «for the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America as well as for their joint commitment in favor of life, and freedom of worship and conscience.»
«It is hoped,» it added, «that there may be serene collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants.
The discussions, it also noted, «enabled an exchange of views on various themes relating to international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and inter-religious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.»
After the audience, President Trump’s wife, Melania, will visit the Vatican’s children’s hospital Bambino Gesu, and his daughter, Ivanka, will visit the Rome-based charitable community, Sant’Egidio.
The following are those who are included in President Trump’s delegation, courtesy of the Holy See Press Office:

The First Lady 

The Honorable Jared Kushner and Mrs. Ivanka Trump 

The Honorable Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State of the United States of America 

The Honorable H.R. McMaster, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs 

Ms. Hope Hicks, Assistant to the President and Director of Strategic Communications

Mr. Daniel Scavino, Assistant to the President and Director of Social Media

Mr. Gary Cohn, Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council 

Mr. Louis Bono, American Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to the Holy See

Ms. Dina Powell, Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

Mr. Keith Schiller, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Oval Office Operations

Ms. Alessandra Bonatti, Interpreter

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is being updated continuously today 

          

PHOTO.VA – L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO