March 18, 2013. (Romereports.com) (-ONLY VIDEO-) The Pope's first meeting with a head of state came with the leader from his homeland, Argentina. The group, led by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, greeted the Pope at Casa Santa Marta, his temporary home for a private audience.  

During the meeting, the Argentine president gave the Pope a scarf and a gourd and steel pipe for mate, the traditional Argentine tea. The Pope gave her a bas-relief with the images of St. Peter's Basilica, as well as several books on the Church's social doctrine.

After exchanging gifts, the Pope and the Argentine president met in private for 20 minutes. Pope Francis then invited the entire delegation to lunch at Casa Santa Marta.

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