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LAST UPDATE | 29 Oct 2021
US PRESIDENT JOE Biden and Pope Francis engaged in extended talks on climate change, poverty and the coronavirus pandemic today.
The world’s two most prominent Roman Catholics ran overtime in highly personal discussions that also touched on the loss of president’s adult son and jokes about ageing well.
Video released by the Vatican showed several warm, relaxed moments between Francis and Biden as they repeatedly shook hands and smiled.
Francis often sports a dour look, especially in official photos, but he seemed in good spirits. Their private meeting lasted about 75 minutes, according to the Vatican, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.
The pair sat across from one another at a desk in the papal library, accompanied by a translator. They then proceeded to an exchange of gifts and a broader meeting including the first lady and top officials. The lengthy session put Biden more than an hour behind schedule for his later meetings.
“Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution,” the White House said.
“He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.”
A dozen Swiss Guards in their blue and gold striped uniforms and red-plumed halberds stood at attention in the San Damaso courtyard as Biden and his wife, Jill, arrived.
They were received by Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, who runs the papal household, and then greeted one by one the papal ushers, or papal gentlemen, who lined up in the courtyard.
“It’s good to be back,” Biden said as he shook the hand of one of them.
“I’m Jill’s husband,” he said to another, before being escorted into the frescoed Apostolic Palace and taken upstairs to the pope’s private library.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki, in previewing the visit, said she expects a “warm and constructive dialogue” between the two leaders.
“There’s a great deal of agreement and overlap with the president and Pope Francis on a range of issues: poverty, combating the climate crisis, ending the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
“These are all hugely important, impactful issues that will be the centrepiece of what their discussion is when they meet.”
National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the president and pontiff would meet privately, then hold talks with expanded delegations.
Biden is visiting Rome and then Glasgow, Scotland, for back-to-back summits, first a gathering for leaders of Group of 20 leading and developing nations and then a global climate conference.
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With his health issues the only place Joe should be visiting is Lourdes.
@Raymond Barry: but Frankie has a direct line to upstairs, so he can by pass all the Lourdes beauocracy!
@Raymond Barry: If he survived this far he’ll be alright.
How about Joe ditch all his government transport and use public transport? He could have three suits. He could do all his meetings by zoom. Lead by example.
@Richard Right: For all his years in the Senate prior to his being VP Biden travelled to DC every day via Amtrak. Because he wanted to be at home each night with his kids.
Why be so disrespectful?
Is the pope a politician?
@Tv1985: I have heard Francis called a lot of things but greedy is a new one.
No accounting for hate I suppose.
@Peter: Yes
@Peter: He’s head of state so yes.
Surely with a direct line to God, Covid19 and climate could be fixed with one phone call?
@David Van-Standen: Atheist Ireland might have issues with that line of logic.
@David Van-Standen: LOL
What would any pope know about ‘girls’? If any women needs a medical procedure then that her business. The life and well being of one women outweighs all the teaching of any religion.
At least Joe Biden is man enough to stand up against power bishops. His convictions mean more then populist support. Shows his calibre compared to Irish politicians.
Oh grand so, that’s it sorted. Everyone else go grab a cuppa, the lads have it done.
The Catholic Church until recently was for practical reasons the national provider of Medical Care, Social Care and Education but finally the secular State has started to take responsibility for these. It’s about time.
@Tom Molloy: the only reason it had them roles was so it could indoctrinate from before birth till death of every person in Ireland
@Tom Molloy: the State isn’t secular. The bunreacht upon which it’s built is dominated by sky-fairies, TDs stand to say prayers at the start of the day, the State funds religious indoctrination in ~90% of primary schools, the civil and public services are riddled with conservative and religious types in decision-making positions, etc. I don’t disagree with your point otherwise, but be clear that the State is far from secular.
@michael walsh:
I’m not an apologist for Catholicism in Ireland but your assumption is wrong. The main reason the Church was involved in the provision of social welfare and social protection was because we were a fledgling nation. We simply did not have the money to do these things for ourselves.
The Church did an awful lot of damage to our society but they did some good too.
@Jane Waters: are you sure about this June. Was the church not paid for these services by the state from the outset? I ask the question because this line was raised in regards to the women’s laundries enquiry, and they were paid by the state (I need to get citations but I’m 99% sure) to provide this “service” . I have my doubts (personal opinion) whether the church did or does anything for free ( weddings, funerals, mass) but especially in regards to the services you mentioned. Happy to be corrected
‘I’m Jill’s husband’…..enough said!!!
Did the telepromter breakdown?
“I bet I’m the only Irish man you’ve met who isn’t drunk” [or smiliar to that]
Offensive, Joe.
@Sean Ryan: “who doesn’t drink”. But still offensive.
@Tom Molloy: Exactly! Stereotyping to beat the band.
I fancy joe if it goes to penalties.
White smoke and a vial of blood. Popes are into strange stuff.
Should go straight to pens imo
If you didn’t know what age you are , what age would you think you are. Interesting thought.
To be fair, as a leader he should not bring his personal beliefs into it. He is there for the people not his own opinion.
have your say