Biden meets Pope: Historical peace discussion in the Vatican!

Biden meets Pope: Historical peace discussion in the Vatican!

Washington/Vatican City, December 20, 2024-In a significant step, outgoing US President Joe Biden will travel to the Vatican on January 10, 2025 to make Pope Francis-a visit that is seen as the crowning glory of his presidency. As the White House announced, Biden confirmed his participation in the invitation during a personal phone call with the Pope. A central theme of the conversation was the global efforts of peace, especially during the Christmas season. At the same time, Biden thanked Francis for his tireless efforts to relieve global suffering as well as for the promotion of human rights and the protection of religious freedom, according to Kap .

The meeting will be the third personal encounter between Biden and Francis since the beginning of the president's term in 2021. Her last talks took place in June during the G7 summit in southern Italy, where the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza Strip were in focus. During his stay in Italy, which lasts from January 9th to 12th, President Biden will also discuss with the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, such as NBC New York

important topics on the agenda

An important concern of the Pope could be the conversion of 40 death sentences imposed in US federal prisons. In December, Francis called on the international community to save lives. During his upcoming visit, Biden will have the opportunity to discuss these topics again, as the Vatican continues to urge a comprehensive ceasefire. In addition, it can be expected that bids and meloni will discuss decisive challenges who are facing the world while Italy is considering its rotating presidency at the G7 summit.

In the history of the US presidencies, Bidens' visit falls in a late monthly month-a rare event. His predecessor George H.W. Bush was the last president who traveled internationally in the past few weeks of his term. Biden, a practicing Catholic, also enjoys a close relationship with Francis, who described him as "good Catholics", which cannot invalidate the discussion about abortion rights and same -sex marriages.