Obama meets Pope Francis at Vatican for first time

President Barack Obama is having an historic first meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

He arrived in the Vatican’s ornate grounds on an overcast morning. After a slow procession, he was introduced to the Pope and the pair shook hands.

Mr Obama said at the start of the meeting that it was wonderful to meet the Pope, calling it a great honour.

Archbishop Georg Ganswein escorted Mr Obama into the meeting. US Secretary of State John Kerry and other top officials are accompanying him on the visit.

Mr Obama is the ninth president to make an official visit to the Vatican.

It marks a change of pace for him following three days of working to secure European unity against Russia’s posture toward Ukraine.