U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
Your Holiness.
Nice to meet you.
What a great honor. What a great honor. Thank you.
Mike Pence's ear-to-ear smile revealed his excitement to be there. The two then sat down for a private conversation, lasting one hour.
I don't speak good English. I need a translator.
Thank you your holiness.
Mike Pence began by remembering President Trump's time at the Vatican in May 2017. Then, the two likely discussed the situation between the U.S. and Iran.
Vice President Pence introduced his wife and daughter-in-law.
That's my wife, Karen Pence.
Your Holiness, it's an honor to meet you. Thank you for your hospitality.
This is our daughter-in-law, Sarah Pence.
Pleasure to meet you, your Holiness.
The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Callista Gingrich and her husband, Newt Gingrich were the next to greet the Holy Father, ahead of Pence's delegation.
Then it was time for the gifts. Mike Pence gave the pope a cross made from a tree in the garden at the Vice President's residence.
Every Vice President, since Walter Mondale has lived in the home.
This is a large medallion made here in the Vatican. This is the angel of peace.
The pope went on to explain that the angel on the medallion already conquered the demon of war. Then, as to reaffirm the message, he gave the vice president the message of peace that he signed the same morning.
The pope joked about giving him each of his pontifical texts and his document on human fraternity.
This is a pocket-sized library.
Upon leaving the two shared an intimate moment.
You will pray for me, don't forget.
I won't forget and I already do.
This role is not easy.
Mike Pence told the pope by meeting him, he has become a hero, a comment likely referring to his devout Catholic mother.
Thank you and God bless you.
Melissa Butz
