I’m certain that I wasn’t alone today in prayer for our Holy Father’s meeting with US President Barak Obama. I prayed that the Holy Ghost would guide Papa Ben and that Mr. Obama would open his mind and ears to hear the TRUTH! I know, it’s a stretch but hey, I believe in miracles!

Oh how I would have loved to be a fly on the wall to hear the powerful words of Pope Benedict XVI to Mr. Obama. I’ll just have to be satisfied with the vatican’s statement on the meeting and the BBC’s video above. ;p

This afternoon, Friday 10 July 2009, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received in Audience the President of the United States of America, His Excellency Mr. Barack H. Obama. Prior to the Audience, the President met His Eminence Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, and also His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

In the course of their cordial exchanges the conversation turned first of all to questions which are in the interests of all and which constitute a great challenge for the future of every nation and for the true progress of peoples, such as the defence and promotion of life and the right to abide by one’s conscience.

Reference was also made to immigration with particular attention to the matter of reuniting families.

The meeting focused as well upon matters of international politics, especially in light of the outcome of the G8 Summit. The conversation also dealt with the peace process in the Middle East, on which there was general agreement, and with other regional situations. Certain current issues were then considered, such as dialogue between cultures and religions, the global economic crisis and its ethical implications, food security, development aid especially for Africa and Latin America, and the problem of drug trafficking. Finally, the importance of educating young people everywhere in the value of tolerance was highlighted.