Outgoing U.S. ambassador to Vatican meets with pope

Published: 2008-01-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Francis Rooney paid a formal farewell visit to Pope Benedict XVI Jan. 10. During the brief meeting, "the Holy Father mentioned his forthcoming trip to the United States and is looking forward to it," the ambassador said. "He spoke to each member of our family in a wonderful, kind way," said Rooney, who was accompanied by his wife, Kathleen, their three adult children and a daughter-in-law. "The visit with the Holy Father will always be an incredible experience for the Rooney family," said the ambassador, who took up the post in November 2005.

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