Pope Francis meets US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Savelletri (Italy) on June 14
On the morning of December 20 (Vietnam time), the White House said that President Biden had a phone call with Pope Francis on December 19 and accepted an invitation to visit the Vatican next month.
The visit of the current White House owner will take place from January 9-12, 2025, more than a week before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, according to AFP.
President Biden will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican on January 10, 2025, in addition to other meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The US President and the head of the Holy See will discuss efforts to promote peace around the world, AFP quoted White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as saying.
During the meeting with Italian government leaders, Mr. Biden will emphasize the importance and strength of bilateral relations. The US President will thank Prime Minister Meloni for his strong leadership as the rotating G7 president over the past year, as well as discuss the challenges the world is facing.
President Biden met Pope Francis in June while in Italy for the G7 Conference. Mr. Biden also met the pastor of the universal church in 2021 when he came to Rome to participate in the G20 Conference.
In the latest phone call, President Biden thanked the pope for his tireless advocacy for people on the margins of society and victims in conflict zones.
Before the White House made the official announcement, reporters asked Mr. Biden questions while the US leader prepared to board the plane on the evening of December 19.
“Yes, I will meet the pope,” Mr. Biden replied.
