Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Almost an hour of private talks between Benedict XVI and Barack Obama, on issues such as the right to life and immigration, the Middle East and development, with the President of the United States describing the just concluded G8 meeting as "very productive". President Obama also said he expects to have "a very strong relationship" with the Holy See and the Pope who, surprisingly gave him a copy of 'Dignitas personae', the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith document released last year, which addresses bioethical issues. Regarding this, Benedict XVI’s secretary, told journalists that it "could help the president to understand the position of the Catholic Church better." Obama will also gain a better knowledge of the Churches position on matters of economics and ethics through the autographed copy of Caritas in Veritate, which was also given him by the Pope. "Thank you Your Holiness, I will read it on board the plane," remarked the President.
“In the course of their cordial exchanges – a communiqué from the Holy See informs - the conversation turned first of all to questions which are in the interests of all and which constitute a great challenge for the future of every nation and for the true progress of peoples, such as the defence and promotion of life and the right to abide by one’s conscience. Reference was also made to immigration with particular attention to the matter of reuniting families. The meeting focused as well upon matters of international politics, especially in light of the outcome of the G8 Summit. The conversation also dealt with the peace process in the Middle East, on which there was general agreement, and with other regional situations. Certain current issues were then considered, such as dialogue between cultures and religions, the global economic crisis and its ethical implications, food security, development aid especially for Africa and Latin America, and the problem of drug trafficking. Finally, the importance of educating young people everywhere in the value of tolerance was highlighted”.
A familiar tone was lent to the encounter by the presence of small Malia and Sasha, and their maternal grandmother, Marian Robinson. As did the obvious emotion of the first lady, who was also present. Everyone was presented to the Pope, the TV cameras were turned off when the time came for the two girls. Accompanying Obama, his personal assistant Kaye Wilson, national security advisors, General Jim Jones and Denis McDonough, the charge d'affairs at the Embassy of the Holy See Julieta Valls, the military attaché Clay Beers and Head staff Mona Sutphen.
The meeting between Benedict XVI and Obama began with a handshake. 'It is a great honour for me" said Obama. "Thank you very much," he added. With a "please", the Pope showed him to his personal library, after the ritual photos shoot at the door. The two were seated facing each other, and Obama - very happy - joked: "I am sure that you are accustomed to being photographed. Even I'm getting used to it”.
Emerging at the end of the private meeting, during the traditional exchange of gifts, the American president gave the pope a stole that from 1988 to 2007 was placed on the body of St. John Nepomuk Neumann, canonized by Pope Paul VI, whose relics are kept in a Philadelphia shrine. The Pope in exchange gifted the President with a mosaic depicting Saint Peter's Square and the Vatican basilica, as well as the two documents. Pontifical medals and rosaries were given to the entourage.
At the end of the meeting, Benedict XVI personally accompanied the Presidential couple to the Library door. "I will pray for you, I will pray for your work," said the Pope, as he shook hands with the president and his wife Michelle. The president had arrived at the Vatican shortly after 4 pm and had a first meeting with the Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, who welcomed him with a "Mr. President, welcome to the Apostolic Palace."
