President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Italy next month for discussions with Pope Francis and key Italian leaders, marking what is anticipated to be the concluding international engagement of his presidency.
The White House announced that this trip will take place from January 9 to 12, during which Biden will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella.
Biden accepted Pope Francis’ invitation during a phone call on Thursday, expressing his appreciation for the Pope’s ongoing advocacy for reducing global hardships, promoting human rights, and safeguarding religious liberties.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the discussions will center on global peace initiatives.
Biden plans to utilize his meeting with Meloni to address significant global challenges and to express gratitude for Italy’s leadership as it concludes its yearlong presidency of the Group of Seven nations.
It’s not common for U.S. presidents to embark on overseas trips in the final stages of their presidency.
George H.W. Bush was the last president to travel abroad in his final month, making visits to Moscow and Paris in early January 1993.
As a practicing Roman Catholic, Biden’s most recent interaction with Pope Francis occurred earlier this year during his attendance at the G7 summit in Italy.
Back in 2021, Biden engaged in extensive discussions with the Pope at the Vatican that covered various issues such as climate change, poverty, and the coronavirus pandemic.
They also shared a poignant conversation regarding the passing of Biden’s son, Beau, in 2015, including light-hearted exchanges about aging.
Although Biden’s stances on abortion rights and same-sex marriage have created tensions with several U.S. bishops—some of whom have hinted that he should be denied Communion—the Pope reportedly affirmed Biden as a “good Catholic” who should continue to receive this sacrament following their meeting in 2021.
Biden’s visit is set to coincide with the beginning of the Vatican’s Holy Year, which will kick off on Christmas Eve.
Holy Years occur approximately every 25 to 50 years, aiming to inspire believers to undertake pilgrimages to Rome to pray at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, as well as to receive indulgences—essentially a historical practice related to the forgiveness of sins.
The Vatican anticipates about 32 million pilgrims will visit Rome in 2025 to be part of this significant pilgrimage event.