The President and First Lady joined thousands at the 62nd annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washintgton, D.C.
According to NY Daily News, Obama’s message focused on the importance of religious freedom and highlighted the religious persecution taking place on an international scale. The President praised America’s commitment to freedom of worship saying, “religion strengthens America.”
Obama’s speech was followed by Shah’s message. He called on world leaders to commit “to end extreme poverty in our lifetime.”
The First Couple was joined by Vice President Joe Biden, with U.S Agency for International Development Administrator Rajiv Shah as the keynote speaker.
The National Prayer Breakfast drew members of Congress, the Washington D.C. elite and world leaders, including Haitian President Michel Martelly.
Gospel singer Yolanda Adams provided the entertainment for the event.