In Rome and at the Vatican, Biden receives warm welcome

In Rome and at the Vatican, President Joe Biden found a safe haven from the debates taking place back home, where some US bishops argue Catholic politicians should not be allowed to receive communion if they support abortion rights.

Biden was in Rome from October 29 to November 1 to attend the G20 summit, convening leaders from the world’s strongest economic powers. On the first day of his trip, the president had a 90-minute private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, the longest meeting on record between a pope and a head of state. Biden told reporters that during the meeting, the pope said Biden was “a good Catholic” and should continue receiving communion.

Biden attended mass twice during his stay in Rome, once at St. Patrick’s Church and another at the private residence of the US ambassador to Italy, in an atmosphere described by those present as “welcoming” and “prayerful.”