This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
On June 28, 2021, Pope Francis met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Vatican, in a visit that comes in the wake of a decision by American Catholic bishops that could lead to them denying Communion to President Joe Biden.
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the atmosphere during the meeting was cordial. Blinken's visit marked the first time a Biden administration official had met with the pontiff since the inauguration in January.
The meeting comes after a conference at which US Roman Catholic bishops voted to draft a statement on Communion that may admonish Catholic politicians, including Biden, who support a woman's right to abortion despite opposing the practice personally.
The bishops decided to move forward with the document, despite a Vatican warning that it would be highly divisive.
