White House says Biden will visit Pope Francis, Meloni in final international trip of his presidency
President Joe Biden will travel to Italy next month to meet with Pope Francis and top Italian officials for what is expected to be the final international trip of his presidency
By AAMER MADHANI and NICOLE WINFIELD
Published - Dec 19, 2024, 06:35 PM ET
Last Updated - Dec 19, 2024, 06:35 PM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Italy next month to meet with Pope Francis and top Italian officials for what is expected to be the final international trip of his presidency.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that Biden will also meet with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella during the Jan. 9-12 trip.
Biden accepted Francis' invitation to visit the Vatican during a phone call Thursday, according to the White House.
“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 said in a statement.
