Obama told Francis he was a "great admirer" at the start of their talks at the Vatican, which political observers said could be a bid to boost the US president's support at home among Catholic voters.
The closed-door talks between the first African-American US president and the first pope from Latin America lasted around 50 minutes slightly longer than papal meetings with other world leaders.
The White House said Obama had been hoping to speak to Francis about their "shared commitment to fighting growing inequality" as well as the Middle East peace process, the environment and immigration reform.
"I actually will probably read this in the Oval Office when I'm deeply frustrated. I'm sure it will give me strength and calm me down," a smiling Obama said.
Also Read
"If you have a chance to come to the White House, we can show you our garden as well," the president said-to which the pope replied "Absolutely!"
During his visit to the Eternal City, Obama also met President Giorgio Napolitano and was scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi-the European Union's youngest government leader, as well as going on a private guided tour of the Colosseum.
In an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera daily ahead of the meeting, Obama said Francis "has been an inspiration to people around the world, including me".