A Great 'Get' For WABC's Rita Cosby: The Pope

WABC 770 AM in NYC host Rita Cosby was granted a rare audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome last weel, becoming one of the first American journalists to talk with the new Pontiff.

With the Pope set to host a “prayer summit” between Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his Vatican apartment yesterday, she asked the pontiff about his possible role as Mideast peacemaker. The meeting is the result of a surprise invitation Francis extended to both men during his recent pilgrimage to the Middle East, a visit that included the celebration of Mass in Bethlehem’s Manger Square.

Although she has interviewed more than 20 world leaders, including five US Presidents, Cosby called the opportunity to speak to Pope Francis one of the greatest moments of her life, adding “He was extremely engaging and approachable. It is clear he cares deeply about peace in the Mideast and would like to do anything he can to assist this very difficult process.”

Broadcasting from Rome, Cosby talked about her conversation (and even played a portion of it) on The Ride Home, the 5pm show she co-hosts with Pat Kiernan on WABC Radio in New York. You can listen to the broadcast: Click Here.