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  (Photo: A. Larry Ross Communications)
  Billy Graham (center) and his son, Franklin, met with Gov. Mitt Romney during his visit to the evangelist's mountain home this afternoon, while in the region for a speaking engagement in Asheville this evening.

Evangelist Billy Graham commended Mitt Romney for his values and moral convictions after meeting with the GOP presidential candidate at his North Carolina home on Thursday.

"What impresses me even more than Governor Romney's successful career are his values and strong moral convictions," Graham said in a statement. "I appreciate his faithful commitment to his impressive family, particularly his wife Ann of 43 years and his five married sons."

Graham, 93, said he was friends with Romney's late father, former Michigan Governor George Romney, and has followed the younger Romney's career.

The beloved evangelist, who has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history, prayed with Romney, a Mormon.

"It was a privilege to pray with Governor Romney – for his family and our country," he stated.

"I will turn 94 the day after the upcoming election, and I believe America is at a crossroads. I hope millions of Americans will join me in praying for our nation and to vote for candidates who will support the biblical definition of marriage, protect the sanctity of life and defend our religious freedoms."

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Graham has been described as the "pastor to presidents" as he has been a friend to every U.S. president since Harry Truman. He met with President Obama in 2010 and prayed with him. Graham also gave Obama two Bibles.

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