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Obama, Pope Hold 'Frank' Discussion at First Meeting

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2009 11:36 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama met with Pope Benedict for the first time today at the Vatican, the AP reports. The White House press secretary predicted a “frank discussion. I think that there's a lot that they agree on that they'll get a chance to discuss,” said Robert Gibbs. Though the pontiff and the president disagree on abortion and stem cell research, their shared interests include Middle East peace and the plight of developing nations.

In a public session open to reporters, Obama called the audience “a great honor.” In a concession to the president’s schedule, the Vatican scheduled the meeting in the afternoon, not the traditional midday hour. Benedict inquired about the recent G8 summit, which Obama said “was very productive.” Upon leaving, Obama said he looks “forward to a very strong relationship between our two countries.”

Pope Benedict XVI talks with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
Pope Benedict XVI talks with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict XVI.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict XVI.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama talks with Pope Benedict XVI.
President Barack Obama talks with Pope Benedict XVI.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama walks between Swiss Guards as he leaves the Vatican after a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.
President Barack Obama walks between Swiss Guards as he leaves the Vatican after a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Snarfeh
Jul 11, 2009 4:43 AM CDT
God-burn! lol! Honestly, though, that is bullshit. What makes a woman's hair any different than a man's hair? That is so fucking stupid and although I still think she's hot, she lost some points with me for wearing it. I would have refused to wear it and refused to go if I could not attend without wearing it. Michelle, where's your ovaries, woman???
MarkFL
Jul 10, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
She has to wear that to avoid a God-burn.
godawgs
Jul 10, 2009 11:34 AM CDT
@amexpat so why didn't pelosi wear something?

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