USA at the Vatican

This morning, the Honorable Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, was received in Audience by the Holy Father, Pope Francis and subsequently met with His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, accompanied by His Excellency, Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience. It is hoped that there may be serene collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants.

The discussions then enabled an exchange of views on various themes relating to international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and inter-religious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.



Mister Trump, who was accompanied by his wife Melania, as well as his daughter and son-in-law, is on the third leg of a nine day presidential tour that has already taken him to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine.

After the papal audience, the President was taken on a tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, before going on to Rome’s Quirinale palace for a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Meanwhile, President Trump's wife Melania was scheduled to visit Rome’s Bambin Gesù Children’s Hospital, while Ivanka met with trafficked victims who are being cared for by the Sant’Egidio community.