This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26761181

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Obama meets Pope Francis during Rome visit Obama meets Pope Francis during Rome visit
(35 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama has met Pope Francis for the first time on the third leg of a European tour dominated by the crisis in Ukraine. US President Barack Obama says it was a "great honour" to meet Pope Francis for the first time during a European tour dominated by the crisis in Ukraine.
He flew into Rome after three days of talks with EU leaders in the Netherlands and Brussels. He flew into Rome after three days of talks with world leaders in the Netherlands and Brussels.
Tensions are high following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.Tensions are high following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
On Wednesday Mr Obama said the US and the EU were considering deeper sanctions against Moscow if there were any further incursions.On Wednesday Mr Obama said the US and the EU were considering deeper sanctions against Moscow if there were any further incursions.
Pro-Russian forces seized Crimea - which has a Russian-speaking majority - this month.Pro-Russian forces seized Crimea - which has a Russian-speaking majority - this month.
Moscow annexed the peninsula after it declared independence following a referendum that Ukraine and its Western allies consider illegal.Moscow annexed the peninsula after it declared independence following a referendum that Ukraine and its Western allies consider illegal.
In other Ukraine developments:In other Ukraine developments:
'Brute force''Brute force'
In a newspaper interview published before their meeting, Mr Obama described the Pope as a man who "lived the Christian Gospel".
US Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said President Obama has been inspired by Pope Francis' messages of inclusion and equality.US Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said President Obama has been inspired by Pope Francis' messages of inclusion and equality.
He said Mr Obama planned to express his appreciation for his leadership.He said Mr Obama planned to express his appreciation for his leadership.
The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says the two men have very different views on subjects such as abortion, contraception and gay marriage, but at this meeting they are likely to emphasise what they share.The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says the two men have very different views on subjects such as abortion, contraception and gay marriage, but at this meeting they are likely to emphasise what they share.
After meeting the Pope, Mr Obama is due to meet both Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.After meeting the Pope, Mr Obama is due to meet both Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
On Wednesday, the US president held talks with EU leaders in Brussels. Washington and the EU have already imposed targeted sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian individuals over the annexation of Crimea. President Obama is accompanied in Italy by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
On Wednesday, Mr Obama held talks with EU leaders in Brussels. Washington and the EU have already imposed targeted sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian individuals over the annexation of Crimea.
Later he said Russians would "recognise that they cannot achieve security, prosperity and status... through brute force".Later he said Russians would "recognise that they cannot achieve security, prosperity and status... through brute force".
"That's why, throughout this crisis, we will combine our substantial pressure on Russia with an open door for diplomacy," he said. "That's why, throughout this crisis, we will combine our substantial pressure on Russia with an open door for diplomacy," President Obama said.
Mr Obama stressed EU and US unity on the issue of Ukraine. "The world is safer, and more just when Europe and America stand as one," he said.
Pro-Russian forces began seizing key sites in Crimea days after Ukraine's Moscow-leaning President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.Pro-Russian forces began seizing key sites in Crimea days after Ukraine's Moscow-leaning President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.
He left power following months of bloody protests over his decision to seek greater ties with Moscow rather than the EU.He left power following months of bloody protests over his decision to seek greater ties with Moscow rather than the EU.
President Obama flew to Brussels following a nuclear security summit in the Netherlands.President Obama flew to Brussels following a nuclear security summit in the Netherlands.