smiles and a somewhat serious pontiff, but ended in a relaxed, familiar and warm atmosphere, according to the two reporters who were present.

Both Trump and the Pope have had very public differences over immigration, and to a lesser extent environmental policy, although common ground exists regarding protection of the unborn, religious freedom and striving for peace in the Middle East, aspects that were evident in the Vatican's statement.

“Welcome!” the Pope said on greeting Trump. “Thank you so much. A very great honor,” Trump replied. The Holy Father said he did not speak English very well and called over his translator, Gibraltarian Msgr. Mark Miles, who acted as his interpreter for the meeting.

Shortly after 9am the doors to the library opened, and the first lady, Melania Trump, daughter Ivankastate, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

While at the Vatican, Trump made a point of greeting six American priests and sisters working in the Secretariat of State and then visited the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

Bambino Gesu and Sant'Egidio visits

After visiting the Vatican, Melania Trump called in on the Vatican-run Bambino Gesu pediatric hospital, where she met 15 children of nine different nationalities, spent time praying alone in the hospital chapel, and laid flowers at the feet of a statue of Our Lady. She also visited children in an intensive care unit in the hospital.

After spending 20 minutes with the young patients and allowing them to take selfies with her, the First Lady signed the visitors' book, writing: “Great