US President Joe Biden is traveling to Italy in January to meet with Pope Francis and top Italian officials in what is likely his last trip abroad before leaving office, the White House announced Thursday.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that in addition to the pontiff, Biden will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella during a three-day visit starting on January 9.
In a call Thursday, the president accepted the Vatican’s invitation and noted “her continued advocacy for alleviating global suffering, including her work to advance human rights and protect religious freedom,” the White House said in a statement. Thanked the Pope for.”
Biden to discuss major global challenges with Meloni
Jean-Pierre said Biden, a devout Roman Catholic, and the Pope will discuss global peace efforts.
The two leaders last met in June earlier this year after their last meeting at the Vatican in 2021.
According to the White House, Biden’s talks with Meloni will focus on key global challenges and Italy’s leadership during his G7 presidency.
The trip comes shortly before Biden’s presidency ends on January 20, when Donald Trump will be inaugurated.
ss/jsi (AP, AFP, Reuters)
