Obama meets with Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican, wife and daughters to join him

Obama meets with Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY — President Barack Obama is meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

Shaking hands with the pope, Obama said it was “a great honor” to meet him.

They then sat at the pontiff’s desk and exchanged pleasantries before reporters and photographers were ushered out of the ornate room.

Obama met first with Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — President Barack Obama has arrived at the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.

Obama’s motorcade arrived at the Holy See on Friday, greeted by Swiss Guards in their colorful uniforms. Several hundred people lined the broad avenue leading to St. Peter’s Square.

Obama waved at the crowds as he headed toward the papal palace.

He first met with Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state.