Obama Picks Theology Prof as Vatican Envoy

(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. More»

Firms salute efforts of White House 'consigliere'

(NEWSER) - Valerie Jarrett wears many hats in the White House: “If there’s a consigliere, it’s Valerie,” says the head of President Obama’s transition team. Lately, however, the longtime family friend has chiefly been Obama’s ambassador to big business, Bloomberg reports. She “picks the brains” of executives from Wall Street to Disney—and they appreciate the connection. She’s a “tremendous asset” to the president, says American Express’ CEO. More»

Caroline rejected over abortion stance, insiders say

(NEWSER) - The Vatican has rejected the idea of Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador because she supports abortion rights and stem-cell research, the Daily Telegraph reports. Other Roman Catholics President Obama had sought to appoint have hit the same wall, Vatican insiders told an Italian paper. The controversy threatens to cast a shadow over Obama’s meeting with the pope during the G8 summit in July. More»

She's a rumored candidate for ambassador to the Holy See

(NEWSER) - Caroline Kennedy can’t seem to catch a break. The onetime Senate aspirant is being called a “mistake” for ambassador to the Vatican. “It’s essential that the person who represents us to the Holy See be a person who has pro-life values,” Raymond Flynn, who held the post under President Clinton, tells the Boston Herald. Italian media has reported that Sen. John Kerry is touting Kennedy for the job. More»

(AP) - President Barack Obama has tapped Dan Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to be US ambassador to Ireland. Rooney, 76, is a lifelong Republican who endorsed Obama during Pennsylvania's contentious Democratic primary and campaigned for him ahead of the general election. A good year continues for Rooney, whose team beat the Arizona Cardinals in February for its sixth Super Bowl title. More»