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Pope Francis Extends An Olive Branch To Donald Trump — Literally

During their first face-to-face meeting, Francis presented Trump with a medal inscribed with an olive tree as a symbol of peace.

Pope Francis Extends An Olive Branch To Donald Trump — Literally
The Vatican
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Pope Francis extended an olive branch to President Donald Trump during their first face-to-face meeting — literally.

"This features an olive tree, which is a symbol of the peace," Pope Francis' translator said.

"We can use this. We can use peace," Trump replied.

After the two spoke for a while in a private room, Francis and Trump exchanged gifts.

Trump presented the pope with a custom-bound case of books by Martin Luther King Jr.

Why Trump And The Pope's First Meeting Really Matters
Why Trump And The Pope's First Meeting Really Matters

Why Trump And The Pope's First Meeting Really Matters

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And in return, Francis gave Trump a medal inscribed with an olive tree. The tree's branches are well-known as a symbol of peace.

By all accounts, it was a very cordial meeting between the two leaders, who have had a somewhat tumultuous past.

During last year's presidential campaign, the pope criticized Trump's pledge to build a wall on the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

Trump responded by calling Francis "disgraceful" for questioning his faith.

These days, they have at least one thing in common: Both have called on Muslim leaders to take a stand against violent extremism in their communities.