THE VATICAN, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles®) – As with all trips by heads of state, the itinerary of a visiting dignitary is always packed, consisting of a whirlwind of welcome ceremonies, state banquets, speeches before various groups, meetings with key officials, field trips, photo opportunities, and yes, private meetings, both scheduled and unscheduled.

Pope Francis’ visit to the United States last week was no exception.

In between his major appearances at The White House, before Congress and the United Nations, and the huge Christian family gathering in Philadelphia, the Pope also had scheduled and impromptu moments with the homeless, the incarcerated, victims of clergy sexual abuse, and the lucky few who were simply hustled in and out for private audiences.

Rowan County (KY) clerk Kim Davis was among the lucky ones, thanks to persistent ‘lobbying’ by Liberty Counsel, Davis’ attorneys in her legal case in Kentucky. According to reports, the “secret” meeting between Francis and Davis was brokered by Archbishop Carl Vigano, papal nuncio to the United States at whose residence the pope stayed during his time in Washington, D.C.

While The Vatican has confirmed that the meeting between the Pope Francis and Davis did take place, it clarified that the Pontiff didn’t exactly know who Davis was. “You know, the Pope doesn’t read U.S. newspapers or watch American television,” a Vatican spokesperson said.

“What is clear is that the Pope thought that Davis was a U.S. immigrant with a Korean mother and American father, who was advocating for comprehensive immigration reform in Washington,” The Vatican said.

“Since immigration was one of the Pope’s key messages during his U.S. visit, he agreed to briefly meet with who he thought was an immigrant rights advocate.”

“That’s when the Pope thanked Davis for her “courage” and “to stay strong.”