President Donald J. Trump met today with His Holiness Pope Francis and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.  This was the President’s first engagement with the Holy See. In their meetings, the President focused on how the United States, the Holy See, and the international community can work together to combat terrorism.

The Pope and the President discussed how religious communities can combat human suffering in crisis regions, such as Syria, Libya, and ISIS-controlled territory. The President affirmed that the United States and the Holy See share many fundamental values and seek to engage globally to promote human rights, combat human suffering, and protect religious freedom. 

The President also renewed the commitment of the United States to fighting global famine.  As he relayed at the Vatican, the United States is proud to announce more than $300 million in anti-famine spending, focused on the crises in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria.

 President Trump and First Lady Melania are welcomed by the prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein as they arrive at the Vatican

The two leaders shook hands ahead of a meeting which ran slightly longer than scheduled.

First Lady Melania dressed in black with her head covered, following traditional protocol at the Vatican, though not all female dignitaries do this.

President Donald J. Trump and His Holiness, Pope Francis sit down to talk in their first face-to-face meeting.

The two leaders exchange their gifts. According to Italian reporters at the scene, Trump told Francis “I won’t forget what you said” as he left the Vatican.

The pontiff poses with the US delegation, including the Trump family.

President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. 

President’s Trump and Mattarella take part in a bilateral meeting at the Quirinale Presidential Palace

Melania sits with children during her visit to the children’s hospital Bambino Gesù.