US President Barack Obama met Pope Francis for the first time at the Vatican for discussions that focused on international conflict, human rights and religious freedom.  Obama invited Francis to visit the United States next year.

The two men were all smiles before the cameras.  There’s a lot being said about their differences on things like abortion rights, contraception, and same-sex marriage.  But these were apparently not discussed.

“Views were exchanged on some current international themes and it was hoped that, in areas of conflict, there would be respect for humanitarian and international law and a negotiated solution between the parties involved,” read a statement from the Vatican after the 52-minute meeting.

Some of the news coverage seemed intent on highlighting the possible conflicts.  But that doesn’t take into account the fact that Barack Obama’s celebrated days as a “community organizer” included a lot of work for the Catholic Church on Chicago’s Southside.  There’s a long history of working together.

“I was grateful to have the opportunity to speak with (the Pope) about the responsibilities that we all share to care for the least of these, the poor, the excluded,” President Obama said of the Pope later at an appearance with Italy’s new Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, “And I was extremely moved by his insights about the importance of us all having a moral perspective on world problems and not simply thinking in terms of our own narrow self-interests.”