Former US president Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, according to a statement shared with AFP by Biden’s office.
The couple will travel independently, separate from current President Donald Trump, who is also expected to be present.
The funeral is anticipated to draw significant international attention, with the Vatican confirming attendance by approximately 50 heads of state and ten reigning monarchs.
Biden, a devout Catholic, has often expressed his affection and admiration for Pope Francis. They had several official and private meetings and Biden kept a photo of Francis in the Oval Office during his term.
The Democrat had planned to visit the Vatican at the very end of his term in January to personally present the head of the Catholic Church with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honour.
But Biden had to cancel the trip due to violent fires in Los Angeles.
In 2005, US president George W. Bush brought two of his predecessors, Bill Clinton and his father, George Bush Senior, with him to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
What you should know
Joe Biden’s decision to attend Pope Francis’ funeral highlights the personal respect and spiritual connection he shared with the late pontiff.
As a practicing Catholic and global statesman, Biden’s presence reflects the weight of Francis’ influence on international politics, religion, and humanitarian advocacy.
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