Pope Francis to Ky. Clerk Kim Davis: 'Stay Strong'

Rowan County, Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis says she and her husband met briefly with Pope Francis during his visit to Washington, D.C.

Davis reports that the pope told her "thank you for your courage" and also "stay strong." He asked her to pray for him and she also asked him for prayer.

Davis said she was humbled to meet the pope.

"I never thought I would meet the pope," she said. "Who am I to have this rare opportunity? I'm just a county clerk who loves Jesus and desires with all my heart to serve Him."

She added, "Pope Francis was kind, genuinely caring, and very personable."

The pope presented Davis with a rosary for her mother and father, who are Catholic.

Vatican officials have not responded to requests from The Associated Press asking for comments on the Davis meeting.