Early in the morning, the head of U.S. Foreign policy met with the pope.
“It's a pleasure to be here. It's a great honor.”
They then spoke behind closed doors for around 30 minutes.
U.S. sources in Rome confirmed the two “reaffirmed their commitment to advancing religious freedom around the world, and in particular, protecting Christian communities in the Middle East.”
They also discussed joint efforts “to promote democracy and human rights globally.”
To remember his visit, Mike Pompeo gave Pope Francis a gift that evokes the role of emigrants in the country.
“This is a United States logo, lots of history from the early times of our country's formation. We talked about being a nation of immigrants and this box represents the greatness and uniqueness of our country.”
The pope gifted him with a mosaic from a Vatican fountain, the main documents from his pontificate and his message of peace.
“I signed it today for you.”
Mike Pompeo was accompanied by his family and introduced his wife to the pope.
At the end of the meeting, Pope Francis accompanied them to the door and made one last request of Pompeo.
“Pray for me.”
