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VATICAN CITY (AP) President Barack Obama has ended his first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

Obama and Benedict met for about 25 minutes Friday in the Papal Library. The pope was overheard asking about the just-ended Group of Eight summit in Italy. Reporters were then escorted from the room.

First lady Michelle Obama joined the president near the end of the meeting with the pope.

Obama and the pope exchanged gifts. Then the president headed for a flight to Ghana, the final stop on his weeklong trip.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-10-09 1026CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list