Obama will travel to Germany for the launch of a summer of celebratory events organised by the Protestant church to mark its 500th anniversary. Obama’s trip follows his acceptance of an invitation sent last May by the bishop of Bavaria Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. Read moreThe Protestant church marks 500 years since theologian Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of a church in Wittenberg, giving birth to the Reformation. While Merkel is the daughter of a Protestant pastor, Obama’s involvement in the commemorations has taken some by surprise. President Trump is due to make his first official visit to Germany in July for the meeting of G20 leaders in Hamburg.

Source: The Guardian April 11, 2017 15:07 UTC