White House: Obama to meet with Pope Francis "in the near future"

[UrbScotty]

President Barack Obama plans to soon meet with Pope Francis for the first time.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the President was “looking forward” to visiting the popular new leader of the Roman Catholic Church at the Vatican.

Kerry did not say when the trip would take place.

The White House said it had no specific travel announcements to make, but that Obama “very much looks forward to meeting Pope Francis at some point in the near future.”

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/14/obama-to-pay-visit-to-pope/

[IrishAyes]

1. I'll carry his bags!

[rustbeltvoice]

2. Please, please, not in Dallas.

[UrbScotty]

3. Update: Vatican announces Obama, Francis to meet March 27

Pope Francis is scheduled to receive US President, Barack 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.

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-receive-us-president-barak-obama