American president, once the international superstar of the political stage meets the pope who has been praised for his humility and outlook on the world.
So it is no surprise that President Barack Obama has travelled to the Vatican in Rome possibly to get some tips from the popular Pope Francis who now even has own weekly glossy magazine.
But his hopes of learning a thing or two from the 'Francis effect' may have been dashed after both parties released very different statements about their first meeting this morning.
Obama stressed their common ground over issues of poverty and inequality while Vatican officials emphasised sharp differences over abortion and birth control.
More pics below
The president bowed as he shook hands with the pontiff in the Small Throne Room, before the two sat down
The President is the ninth president to make an official visit to the Vatican
The president described himself as 'incredibly moved' by his nearly hour-long session with the popular pontiff.
He said the two spent most time discussing the plight of the poor and the marginalised as well as regions of conflict and the elusive nature of peace around the world.
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