President Trump Meets With Pope Francis, Discusses Climate Change

VATICAN CITY — President Trump, along with his wife and daughter, met with Pope Francis Wednesday for the first time of his presidency, discussing terrorism, the radicalization of youth and climate change. The pope brought up the issue of climate charge and encouraged Trump to keep the United States as a member of the Paris climate agreement.

Trump said he "hasn't made a final decision" and didn't expect to until "after we get home." The pope gave the president a signed copy of his 2015 encyclical on the importance of fighting climate change. (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch for daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis," the president tweeted. "I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world."

The day before the meeting, Francis tweeted, "Dialogue allows us to plan for a future in common. Through dialogue we build peace, taking care of everyone."

According to the White House readout of the meeting, Trump emphasized the value he places on human rights, combating human suffering, religious freedom and fighting global famine. The president pledged $300 million of funding to fight famine in Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria.

Trump has had a somewhat chilly relationship with the religious leader since the pope appeared to question Trump's faith during the campaign. Then a candidate, Trump responded that he had liked the pope before but found his comments "disgraceful. No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man’s religion or faith." The pair appeared to put aside any disagreements for the meeting on Wednesday.

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