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Kentucky country clerk Kim Davis, who ignited national headlines after being jailed over her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, met with Pope Francis last week, her lawyer told CBS News Tuesday.
Attorney Mat Staver told the news outlet that Davis met with the pope last Thursday at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis listens to a customer following her office's refusal to issue marriage licenses at the Rowan County Courthouse in Morehead, Ky., Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
The pope asked Davis to pray for him, Staver said. In return, Davis asked Pope Francis to pray for her. The pope spoke in English to Davis and told her to stay strong, according to Staver.
Photos of the meeting exist and are currently in the Vatican's possession, Davis' lawyer said. CBS News had reached out to Vatican officials, but was still awaiting confirmation at the time of publication.
Pope Francis had previously commented on Davis' case, despite conceding he didn't know all the details.
"[I]f a person does not allow others to be a conscientious objector, he denies a right," the pope said.
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