Mobile Phone Critic Pope Francis Meets Apple Chief Tim Cook

This handout photo taken on October 3, 2022 and released by the Vatican press office, the Vatican Media, shows Pope Francis (L) shaking hands with Apple CEO Tim Cook prior to a private audience at the Vatican. (Vatican Media/AFP)

Pope Francis, who has often said people should limit their use of cellphones and give preference to personal communication, granted a private audience on Monday to Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook.

Cook, head of the $2.4 trillion company whose iPhone has revolutionized personal communication, was on the pope's daily audience list. As is customary, the Vatican did not disclose what was discussed during the private conversation.