By Desiree Salas (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Mar 28, 2014 09:05 PM EDT

This is one for the history books: U.S. President Barack Obama has finally met and shook hands with Pope Francis at no less than the Vatican, Fox News reported.

"President Obama met Pope Francis at the Vatican for nearly an hour Thursday amid a complex backdrop of conflict over contraception, concern for the plight of the poor, and the pontiff's emergence as a powerful persona on the world stage," the news source said. "Obama arrived amid the pomp and tradition of the Catholic Church, making his way to greet the pope after a long, slow procession."

It appears that even the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world wasn't given any special treatment. He had to follow protocol and decorum just like the others.

When the two finally stood face to face with each other in the Small Throne Room of the papal residence, they shook hands and exchanged greetings.

"Wonderful meeting you, I'm a great admirer," the president told the Pontiff. "Thank you sir, thank you," Pope Francis responded.

They then sat down with their respective translators in the Papal Library for what turned to be an hour-long meeting. Their schedules required them to talk for only half an hour.

"I bring greetings from my family. The last time I came here to meet your predecessor I was able to bring my wife and children," the president said before the private meeting began.

"Obama seem buoyed by the meeting as they emerged and the pope greeted a handful of Obama's senior advisers," Fox News noted.

Later, the president spoke to reporters about the proceedings of his conversation with the Holy Father, according to The New York Times.

"We actually didn't talk a whole lot about social schisms. His Holiness and the Vatican have been clear on a range of issues. Some of them I differ with. Most of them I heartily agree with," Obama said.

Could abortion be one the points they don't agree with?

"I do think there is a potential convergence between what policy makers have to think about and what he's talking about. He's, hopefully, creating an environment in which those of us who care about this are able to talk about it more effectively," the president added.

WATCH:


© 2015 Latinos Post. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.