In their first meeting, President Obama and Pope Benedict agreed to disagree on abortion and stem cell research.
The entire Obama family, including the President's mother-in-law, met with the pontiff in his official residence, the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
The well-prepped President anticipated that Benedict would discuss his anti-abortion positions, but politely held his ground with the Catholic Church's stance on two hot-button moral and political issues.
"At the end of the day, it may just be that there's issues that they can't come to agreement on, but I think [Obama] believes that you can disagree without being disagreeable," said Denis McDonough, a spokesman for the National Security Council.
Obama, however, reiterated his goal of reducing the number of abortions - a point he highlighted while running for President.
"President Obama affirmed his personal commitment to try to reduce the number of abortions in the United States," said Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi.
Benedict presented Obama with a copy of a year-old Vatican document on bioethics that helped shape the Holy See's opposition to stem cell research. The Vatican views such research as tantamount to abortion and the destruction of human life.
Obama supports the use of embryonic stem cells to pursue treatments for debilitating diseases. Days after taking office, he wiped out the Bush administration's limits on stem cell research.
On other issues, like pursuing Mideast peace, dealing with the coup in Honduras, and fighting famine and poverty, there was common ground.
Obama's first papal audience since taking office was described as a cordial meeting, complete with polite protocol.
"Welcome, Mr. President," the Pope said as they shook hands.
"Thank you so much. It's a great honor, thank you so much," Obama replied.
Obama gave the Pope a stole that for a time had been draped over the body of St. John Neumann of Philadelphia, founder of the Catholic school system. The Pope offered Obama a mosaic of St. Peter's Square.
Obama also handed a letter to Benedict from cancer-stricken Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), White House aides disclosed.
McDonough noted that the senator's older brother, President John F. Kennedy, "obviously broke an important barrier in our country by being the first Catholic President."
Obama's wife, two daughters and mother-in-law joined in for part of the 30-minute meeting.
Observing papal protocol, the Obama women covered their heads with black mantillas during the meeting.
The President asked the Pope to pray for them.
"I'll pray for you. I'll pray for your work," the Pope promised.
After three days of meetings surrounding the G-8 world leaders summit, the Vatican visit was the last stop in Italy for Obama before heading to Accra, Ghana, where he will tour a slave trade outpost today.
At a press conference earlier yesterday, Obama said it may be time to expand the G-8 to include Africa and South American nations.
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