in early april 2016, national poll numbers showed sanders winning by 49% to clinton's 47%. on april 8, sanders was asked by vatican city to talk about the issues of income inequality and the environment. sanders agreed to the invitation and spoke at the vatican on april 15. while on his trip, he met with pope francis in private. in april 2016, sanders was added into "time's 100 most influential people" of 2016. his introduction was written by former united states secretary of labor and supporter robert reich.