U.S. President Joe Biden is set to visit the Vatican next month, marking what is likely to be his last international trip as president before his term concludes. The White House announced that Biden will travel to Rome from January 9 to 12, where he will meet with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“On January 10, President Biden will have an audience with the Pope to discuss global efforts to promote peace,” the White House said in a statement.
Biden will also meet with Italy’s leaders to emphasize the strong relationship between the United States and Italy. Discussions with Prime Minister Meloni are expected to address Italy’s leadership of the G7 over the past year and focus on major international challenges.
This trip reflects Biden’s continued commitment to fostering diplomatic ties and maintaining a dialogue on pressing global issues, even as his presidency nears its conclusion.
A history of meetings with Pope Francis
As a practicing Catholic, Biden has met with Pope Francis on multiple occasions. Earlier this year, they held a private meeting in Italy during a gathering of G7 world leaders. The two also met at the Vatican in 2021 for a wide-ranging conversation on topics including climate change, poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their 2021 meeting also touched on deeply personal matters, including the loss of Biden’s son, Beau, who died of cancer in 2015. The discussion was warm and candid, with lighthearted exchanges about aging gracefully.
Despite their shared Catholic faith, Biden’s stance on certain social issues, such as abortion rights and same-sex marriage, has drawn criticism from some within the Church. A number of conservative Catholic leaders have even suggested that Biden should be denied communion due to his support for policies that conflict with traditional Church teachings.
However, during their 2021 meeting, Biden said that Pope Francis reassured him, calling him a “good Catholic” and encouraging him to continue receiving communion.
Strengthening U.S.-Italy relations
Beyond his meeting with the Pope, Biden’s visit to Italy will focus on reinforcing the strong partnership between the United States and Italy. His discussions with President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni will likely center on the G7’s efforts to address global challenges, including economic stability, climate action, and international security.
Italy’s leadership of the G7 over the past year has placed it at the forefront of addressing key global issues, and Biden’s visit underscores the importance of the transatlantic alliance in tackling shared challenges.
A final chapter in Biden’s presidency
Biden’s trip to Rome will serve as one of his final acts as president, with his term officially ending on January 20. President-elect Donald Trump will assume office on that day, bringing an end to Biden’s administration.
As his presidency comes to a close, Biden’s visit to the Vatican and Italy highlights his emphasis on diplomacy and global cooperation. It also reflects his personal connection to his faith and his commitment to addressing global issues alongside international allies.
This final trip marks a symbolic end to Biden’s tenure, as he seeks to underscore the importance of peace, unity, and collaboration on the world stage.
