This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
President Joe Biden's meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on October 29, 2021, marked a significant moment in his five-day European trip.
The meeting occurred just before the G-20 leaders' summit in Rome, where global economic issues were being discussed.
As the President and the US First Lady participated in a private audience with Pope Francis, they were welcomed by Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the head of the Papal Household.
However, the White House has yet to confirm whether President Biden will take holy communion from Pope Francis, a decision that has sparked controversy due to the Catholic Church's stance on abortion.
Despite the concerns, President Biden and Pope Francis emphasized that Catholicism is a 'big tent' that should not be defined by political affiliations.
President Biden's administration has been criticized for its stance on abortion, which has led to questions about whether the issue was discussed during the meeting with Pope Francis.
