The first meeting between a U.S. president and a pope took place on January 4, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson met Pope Benedict XV at the Vatican. Since then, six popes have met twelve presidents, sometimes more than once.
Some important moments include President John F. Kennedy's meeting with Pope Paul VI, which was the only meeting between a Roman Catholic president and a reigning pope.
The first time a pope visited the White House was in 1979, when President Jimmy Carter hosted Pope John Paul II in Washington D.C.
Now, President Obama has met Pope Francis for the first time at the Vatican, with an agenda focused on the pair's "shared commitment to fighting poverty and growing inequality."
See photos from the first official meetings between presidents and popes here:
President Barack Obama & Pope Francis -- March 27, 2014
President Barack Obama & Pope Benedict XVI -- July 10, 2009
President George W. Bush & Pope Benedict XVI -- June 9, 2007
President George W. Bush & Pope John Paul II -- July 23, 2001
President Bill Clinton & Pope John Paul II -- August 12, 1993
President George H.W. Bush & Pope John Paul II -- May 27, 1989
President Ronald Reagan & Pope John Paul II -- May 2, 1984
President Jimmy Carter & Pope John Paul II -- October 6, 1979
President Gerald Ford & Pope Paul VI -- June 3, 1975
President Richard Nixon & Pope Paul VI -- March 2, 1969
President Lyndon B. Johnson & Pope Paul VI -- October 4, 1965
President John F. Kennedy & Pope Paul VI -- July 2, 1963
President Dwight D. Eisenhower & Pope John XXIII -- December 6, 1959
President Woodrow Wilson & Pope Benedict XV -- January 4, 1919
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
