VATICAN CITY — Greeting a man he calls an “inspiration,” President Barack Obama paid his first visit today to Pope Francis, opening a meeting the White House hopes will highlight the leaders’ shared views on economic inequality and poverty and perhaps drown out the president’s conflicts with the Catholic Church hierarchy at home.

A cordon of Swiss guards greeted the president in a modest Vatican courtyard behind St. Peter’s Basilica as he arrived for his first encounter with a man whose popularity and international fame match few figures, one of those, perhaps, being Obama himself - five years ago.

“It is a great honor. I’m a great admirer,” Obama said to the pontiff as he arrived this morning. “Thank you so much for receiving me.”

Obama and the pope met privately for about 50 minutes. The president was joined by Secretary of State John F. Kerry and his national security advisor, Susan Rice, as well as a small group of top aides.

The White House views the meeting as a chance to align the president with Francis and his focus on economic justice.

The pope’s emphasis on inclusion and the Church’s positions on economic issues have impressed him, Obama has said, putting the president in the ranks of many left-leaning Americans who have cheered the new tone coming from the Vatican in the year since Francis became pope.

The president has publicly associated himself with Francis’ message several times in recent months. He’s referred to the pope in speeches, most notably an address on income inequality Obama delivered last fall.

Despite the admiration, this is the first time Obama has met or spoken to the pope. Obama met with Pope Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, at the Vatican in 2009.