Biden to Visit Pope Francis in Final Days of Presidency
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is set to meet with Pope Francis in January, marking what is likely to be his final international trip before leaving the Oval Office, the White House announced on Thursday. The meeting comes after Biden accepted an invitation from the pope during a phone call, with the visit scheduled to take place from Jan. 9 to 12 in Rome. This encounter holds significant weight as Biden is only the second Roman Catholic president in American history, and his previous private meetings with Francis have focused on critical global issues such as peace efforts and human rights.
A Symbolic Encounter
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, highlighted the importance of Biden’s visit to the Vatican, stating that he will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his stay. The discussions between Biden and Pope Francis are expected to center around advancing peace initiatives worldwide, building upon the pope’s ongoing advocacy to alleviate global suffering and promote human rights. This meeting holds symbolic significance as Biden previously led the American delegation for Francis’ inauguration in 2013, establishing a longstanding relationship between the two leaders.
Historical Context
Biden’s upcoming trip to Italy falls in line with the tradition of outgoing presidents embarking on final international visits. Comparatively, former President Donald Trump’s last international trip during his first term was to India in February 2020, just before Covid-19 travel restrictions were imposed. Similarly, former President Barack Obama’s final international trip was to Peru in November 2016, while former President George W. Bush’s last official international visit was to Afghanistan in December 2008. Biden’s upcoming meeting with Pope Francis adds a unique dimension to his presidential legacy, emphasizing his commitment to global diplomacy and collaboration.
Expert Insight
Megan Lebowitz, a politics reporter for NBC News, emphasized the significance of Biden’s upcoming visit to the Vatican, highlighting the potential impact of his discussions with Pope Francis on key global issues. Tara Prindiville’s contribution underscored the historical context of outgoing presidents’ final international trips, placing Biden’s upcoming visit in a broader political framework. As President Biden prepares to engage in crucial dialogues with world leaders, his meeting with Pope Francis stands out as a pivotal moment in his presidency, encapsulating his dedication to fostering international cooperation and addressing pressing global challenges.
