Obama has first audience with Pope Francis

President Barack Obama called himself a "great admirer" of Pope Francis as he sat down at the Vatican in their first meeting Thursday with the pontiff he considers a kindred spirit on issues of economic inequality. (March 27) Video provided by AP Newslook

ROME — President Obama and Pope Francis met for the first time Thursday in a discussion that was expected to focus on shared priorities including poverty, conflict and religious freedom.

Obama also invited Francis to visit the U.S. next year.

The meeting was widely expected to be a cordial occasion, but it was also thought that Francis could bring up some prickly issues. Among them: The mandate that the Affordable Care Act cover contraceptives, and the growing trend in the U.S. to legalize gay marriages — both areas the church frowns upon.

"I bring greetings from my family," the president said to the pope at the start of their 52-minute meeting. "The last time I came here to meet your predecessor I was able to bring my wife and children."

Obama presented Francis with a custom-made seed chest featuring a variety of fruit and vegetable seeds used in the White House's garden. "These I think are carrots," he said, holding a pouch. "Each one has a different seed in it. The box is made from timber from the first cathedral to open in the United States in Baltimore."

The pope gave the president an encyclical. "I actually will probably read this in the Oval Office when I'm deeply frustrated. I'm sure it will give me strength and calm me down," the president said smiling.

In Italy, Obama's visit — which will also include talks with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and President Giorgio Napolitano — has been a topic of conversation all week. Italians say they have hopes that Obama's short stop in Italy will lead to positive changes in the country 

In Italy, Obama's visit — which will also include talks with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and President Giorgio Napolitano — has been a topic of conversation all week. Italians say they have hopes that Obama's short stop in Italy will lead to positive changes in the country and beyond.

"The whole world is suffering, and when you have two great leaders meet to discuss the world's economic problems, you have to have hope it will make a difference," said Salvatore Mucci, a 44-year-old coffee bar worker.

and beyond.