Pope Francis Forgets About Differences in the Past and Welcomes President Trump to Vatican

It was Wednesday, May 24, when Pope Francis welcomed President Trump to the capital of Roman Catholicism in the world.  Having had their differences in the past, the Pope decided that it was time to unite both sides and send a message of peace for all.

According to The Washington Post, “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.”  Tensions may have seemed high between the two, due to initial perceptions of one another, but the mood soon warmed between the two as they embraced in a firm handshake.

Putting their differences aside regarding the presidential election that occurred last year, the two reportedly exchanged viewpoints 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.”  The two discussed ideas regarding religion and how its influence can aid regions in peril, “such as Syria, Libya and areas controlled by Islamic State terrorists.”

Along with collaborating views on religion, President Trump voiced that the United States and the Vatican both shared the same fundamental values, “such as promoting human rights, combating global famine and protecting religious freedom,” according to the White House.  After the two conversed, Trump moved on to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican.

Cardinal Parolin expressed his beliefs regarding the critical issue of climate change and urged the United States to carry on with its participation in the Paris climate accords—the administration is currently debating that decision.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says, “We had a good exchange [about] the difficulty of addressing climate change, responses to climate change, and ensuring that you still have a thriving economy and you can still offer people jobs so they can feed their families and have a prosperous economy.”

Calling the meeting “great” and “fantastic”, Trump noted that Pope Francis truly “is something.  We’re liking Italy very, very much, and it was an honor to be with the pope.”