Pope Francis to Meet with President Obama

CNN has announced an upcoming March 27th meeting between Pope Francis and President Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama will meet with Pope Francis for the first time on March 27 at the Vatican, the White House announced Tuesday.

Obama’s visit with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be part of a larger European trip that the President will take that month.

“The President looks forward to discussing with Pope Francis their shared commitment to fighting poverty and growing inequality,” a White House news release said.

I believe that much good can come of this meeting. Rather than launching snarky comments, let’s pray for the meeting between Pope Francis & President Obama. The world’s poor need & deserve leaders committed to leading us in change.

Update: The Vatican News website now also has information about the visit:

Pope Francis is scheduled to receive US President, Barak Obama, in audience in the Vatican, on Thursday 27 March 2014. The news was announced on Tuesday by the White House, and confirmed by Father Federico Lombardi, Head of the Vatican Press Office.
It will be Obama’s first meeting with Pope Francis. At the Inaugural Mass of his Petrine Ministry on March 19, 2013, the United States was represented by US Vice-President, Joe Biden. The announcement comes just days after the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin met with US Secretary of State, John Kerry. Read the full announcement here.