Biden heads to Vatican City next month to meet with Pope, Italian heads of state

President Joe Biden is set to embark on a historic trip to Italy next month, where he will meet with Pope Francis in Vatican City before his term comes to an end. The White House announced that Biden has accepted the invitation to visit Vatican City during a phone call with the Pope on Thursday.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden will also meet with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella during the four-day trip planned for the second week of January. The highlight of the trip will be the public meeting between Biden and Pope Francis on January 10, where they will discuss efforts to advance peace around the world.

Italy currently holds the presidency of the G7 countries, a position that rotates annually among the world’s largest advanced economies. Biden’s visit will coincide with the end of Italy’s presidency, allowing him to thank Prime Minister Meloni for her leadership and discuss important global challenges with Italian leaders.

The meeting between Biden and Pope Francis holds significance as both leaders share a commitment to addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, vaccine sharing, and economic recovery. Despite their alignment on many issues, their viewpoints notably diverge on abortion due to Biden’s pro-choice stance.

This upcoming trip will mark Biden’s final overseas visit as President, making it a rare occurrence for a sitting president to travel internationally in the last month of their term. The last president to do so was George H.W. Bush, who traveled to Moscow and Paris on diplomatic missions to address nuclear treaties and the Bosnian war.

Biden, who is only the second Catholic president in U.S. history after John F. Kennedy, has a longstanding relationship with Pope Francis. They have met on multiple occasions to discuss various global challenges, emphasizing the need for peace, humanitarian aid, and climate action.

As Biden prepares to conclude his presidency, his visit to Italy and Vatican City serves as a testament to his commitment to international diplomacy and cooperation. The meeting with Pope Francis will undoubtedly be a significant moment in his presidency, highlighting the importance of collaboration between world leaders in addressing complex global issues.