U.S. President Joe Biden, the second Catholic president in American history, has accepted an invitation from Pope Francis to visit the Vatican early next month. The meeting, set for January 10, 2025, will focus on advancing peace worldwide, according to a December 19 White House statement.
The announcement followed a phone call between Biden and Pope Francis, during which the two leaders discussed their shared hopes for peace during the holiday season. “The president thanked the pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms,” the White House reported.
Pope Francis extended the invitation to Biden for a January 9–12 trip to Rome. The visit also includes scheduled meetings with Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where Biden will recognize Meloni’s leadership during Italy’s G7 presidency.
This meeting marks a continuation of a diplomatic relationship that has seen Biden and Pope Francis address pressing global issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and climate change. Their last encounter in June 2024 occurred at the G7 Summit, where they jointly emphasized the need for ceasefires, humanitarian aid, and global cooperation.
During Biden’s presidency, his administration has faced criticism from Catholic leaders over its stance on abortion and gender ideology. Pope Francis previously described Biden’s support for abortion as “incoherence” for a Catholic, urging him to consult his pastor on the matter.
The Holy Father has also called for global disarmament, notably criticizing the use of anti-personnel explosives shortly after the Biden administration approved Ukraine’s use of American land mines.
Despite these points of tension, the upcoming meeting underscores the shared commitment of the Vatican and the United States to global peace. Biden’s ongoing engagement with Pope Francis reflects the unique role of faith in diplomacy and the challenges of aligning personal beliefs with political policies.
“Faith has always been central to my life,” Biden remarked during a prior meeting with the pope, highlighting the significance of his Catholic identity in his presidency.
This visit will likely draw renewed attention to the interplay of faith, politics, and global leadership, especially during a critical moment for international peace efforts.
