Vatican City, December 20: US President Joe Biden will meet Pope Francis during a trip to Italy early next year, in what is likely to be the leader's final foreign trip of his term.
On the morning of December 20 (Vietnam time), the White House said that on December 19, President Biden had a phone call with Pope Francis and accepted an invitation to visit the Vatican next month.
The current White House owner's visit 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 with Pope Francis at the Vatican on January 10, 2025, in addition to 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 his meeting with Italian leaders, Mr. Biden will highlight the importance and strength of the bilateral relationship. The US President will thank Prime Minister Meloni for his strong leadership as the rotating G7 chair this year, as well as discuss the challenges facing the world.
President Biden met with Pope Francis in June when he visited Italy for the G7 Summit. He also met with the pope in 2021 when he visited Rome for the G20 Summit.
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 an official announcement, reporters asked questions to Mr. Biden as the US leader prepared to board the plane on the evening of December 19.
"Yes, I will meet the pope," Mr. Biden replied.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
