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What happened the last time a Pope met with a President?

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Pope Benedict was welcomed by President Bush 7 years ago

The last papal visit to the US was by Pope Benedict in 2008, who visited President George W. Bush. Seven years later, Pope Francis has come to the United States for the very first time with President Barack Obama leading the White House.

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Highlights

By Linky C. (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
9/23/2015 (9 years ago)

Published in U.S.

Keywords: Pope Francis, Papal Visit, Barack Obama, Pope Francis in the US

MUNTINLUPA CITY, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - It has been seven years since a leader of the Catholic Church came the White House. After nearly a decade, President Barack Obama welcomed Pope Francis to the White House.

During the seven year gap, a total of 12 British Prime Minister visits, 8 German chancellor visits and seven visits from the Russian president were accommodated by the White House.

Poe Benedict's reception started around 4:20pm on April 15, 2008 at a VIP Lounge in the terminal. The Pope rode in an Alitalia Boeing 777 and landed in the US around 3:50 p.m. A red carpet was ready during his disembarkment with the president ready and waiting to welcome him as he descended the plane's steps.
A total of 400 well-wishers were also present during his descent. Bush shook hands with the Pope. The Pontiff did not kneel to kiss the ground as his predecessor was inclined to do. A 15-minute private talk between the pontiff and president took place at the VIP Lounge before Bush escorted the Pope to his limousine, one from the Secret Service fleet. 
Pope Benedict had 13,500 people to welcome him at the reception on the South Lawn. This historic moment was the second time a Pope has been at the White House. A Yankee Doodle routine was later presented to the Pope.
The Pope was 81 during his visit and everyone was enthusiastic to be in his presence. A three-foot-high birthday cake was presented to the Pope as the soprano Kathleen Battle sang to his Holiness.
A 40-minute private talk was then hosted by the President with the Pope at the Oval Office. They issued an official statement regarding the private talk and revealed their discussions and concerns in Iraq as well as "the precarious state of Christian communities there."
Pope Benedict left around 11:55 a.m. in his white Mercedes-Benz Popemobile and traveled to the Vatican Embassy. A dinner was later staged in honor of Pope Benedict at the White House. However, the pontiff was unable to attend the event due to earlier commitments with cardinals and bishops.

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