Pope Francis and President Trump: Monumental first meeting is full of surprises

The two exchange warm greetings and generous gifts.

Pope Francis and President Donald Trump have finally met face-to-face.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - After weeks of anticipation, President Donald Trump made his way to the Vatican on May 24, during part of his first overseas trip as president.

So far, the U.S. President Trump made an historic visit to Saudia Arabia where he gave an address to over forty Arab and Muslim heads of States. His address was blunt, challenging, and very well received.

Then, he flew directly from Saudi Arabia to Israel. This was the first time such a direct flight had been allowed. He visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the empty tomb of Jesus is enshrined. He prayed at the Western or Wailing Wall, another first for a U.S. President.

The President is expected to attend a NATO meeting and a G7 summit at the conclusion of his meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

The meeting with Pope Francis was warm and inspiring. As President Trump and First Lady Melania entered the Apostolic Palace, the Pope welcomed them with a warm smile. President Trump responded, "Thank you very much, this is such a great honor."

The pair held a private audience for about 30 minutes. Only President Trump, Pope Francis and the pope's translator, Msgr. Mark Miles were present.

According to a Vatican communique, Pope Francis and President Trump, "expressed satisfaction for the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America". They also made a joint commitment to support the right to life, religious freedom and freedom of conscience.

Their "cordial discussions" covered addressed their joint hopes for continuing collaboration between the U.S. Catholic Church and the U.S. government. They spoke of together being "engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education, and assistance to immigrants."

Finally, they shared thoughts on international affairs, and the promotion of peace throughout the world by focusing on "political negotiation and inter-religious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities."

As their visit came to a conclusion, the two exchanged gifts.

Pope Francis presented the U.S. President with a copy of his environmental encyclical "Laudato Si'," his marriage encyclical "Amoris Laetitia," and "Evangelii Gaudium,on the Joy of the Gospel. He also gave the President a signed copy of his 2017 World Day of Peace message. Finally, he presented the President with a beautiful medallion crafted by a Roman artist.

The Pope explained that it represented peace and unity. He described the meaning behind the olive branches depicted in the art. He shared his hopes that the president can become similar to the olive branch and be an instrument of peace.

President Trump kindly accepted his thoughtful gift. He thanked the Pope and expressing "We can use peace."

The U.S. President gave Pope Francis a set of books and letters by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Members of the Presidential delegation - which included First Lady Melania Trump; daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, his assistant and senior advisor - all received a medal and a rosary blessed by the Holy Father.

As the two departed, President Trump said goodbye, telling Pope Francis "Thank you, thank you, I won't forget what you said."

After the meeting, the President went to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

First Lady Melania visited the Vatican-owned Pediatric hospital. First Daughter Ivanka Trump went to visit the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere. There she met with the Community of Sant'Egidio. They spoke about ways to fight the blight of human trafficking.

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