Did the unlikely alliance between a U.S. President and the Pope reshape the global stage? The relationship between Joe Biden and Pope Francis, marked by mutual respect, shared values, and a surprising degree of influence, offers a fascinating study in diplomacy, faith, and the exercise of power in the modern world.
From the outset, the dynamic between President Joe Biden and Pope Francis was unique. Biden, a devout Catholic, found in the pontiff an admired ally, a sounding board, and a moral compass. Pope Francis, in turn, recognized an opportunity to influence the policies of a global superpower, lobbying for Biden to use his presidential power to advance the Pope's agenda on issues ranging from climate change to human rights. This collaboration, played out on the world stage, was a significant departure from the norm. The first pope from the southern hemisphere, Pope Francis, was unlike any who came before. He approached his papacy with a focus on social justice and compassion, and his relationship with Biden reflected these priorities.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained as Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained as Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 2013 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Known For | Emphasis on social justice, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and reform of the Catholic Church |
| Key Initiatives | Laudato si' (encyclical on the environment), efforts to combat climate change, outreach to marginalized communities, promotion of interfaith dialogue |
| Notable Quotes | "If we lose contact with reality, we lose contact with life." "The Lord never abandons us; He is always close to us, every day of our lives." "Let us not close our hearts, let us not close our doors." |
| Official Website | Vatican Website |
President Joe Biden, on Saturday, honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian award. This was the first time in his term that the president had bestowed that honor, as announced by the White House. The award was presented on Pope Francis behalf to the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. This symbolic gesture underscored the depth of the respect between the two leaders and their shared commitment to certain values.
In a photo shared on his social media account, President Biden is shown presenting the medal to Pope Francis. The two men had previously met on several occasions. Biden accepted Francis' invitation to visit the Vatican during a Thursday phone call with the Pope, the White House said in a statement. Furthermore, President Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Saturday and awarded him the medal. The two leaders also spoke on the phone in December.
The relationship was not merely symbolic. Biden thanked the Pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms. The leaders discussed collaborative efforts to promote global peace, which solidified their working relationship.
The funeral for Pope Francis was a significant event, attended by numerous world leaders and royals. Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden attended the funeral in Vatican City. President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump were also in attendance. With delegations from about 130 countries present, the seating chart had to be carefully organized.
In June 2024, Biden last met with Pope Francis during a trip to Italy for the G7 summit. President Joe Biden privately met with Pope Francis early Friday evening in Apulia, Italy, at the summit to discuss foreign policy and climate change. The context of these meetings highlights the intersection of faith and diplomacy, demonstrating how religious leaders and political figures can find common ground on pressing global issues.
However, the relationship wasn't without its complexities. Earlier in the week, Biden canceled his planned trip to Rome and a visit with Pope Francis in order to address the ongoing deadly wildfires in California. This showed the constraints of leadership and the need to balance international commitments with domestic responsibilities.
The death of Pope Francis marked the end of an era. The leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics died after a lengthy hospital stay for pneumonia. Mr. Biden, who leaves office in just over a week, spoke with the Pope on Saturday, highlighting their ongoing connection.
In a display of the close connection between the two, former President Joe Biden was snapped taking a selfie with another mourner before the funeral service began at 10 a.m. Former president Joe Biden, who maintained a close working and personal relationship with Pope Francis dating back to the late pontiff's visit to the United States in 2015, will attend the papal funeral. Former president Joe Biden also wore a blue tie, straying from the strict Vatican funeral dress code, another reflection of the informalities of their relationship.
The Pope's influence, and the attention given to the relationship between Biden and Francis, are a reflection of the changing global landscape. Biden saw Pope Francis as an admired ally, and the Pope lobbied for Biden to use his presidential power.
Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom and praised him as the peoples Pope. The Pope is now back on Bidens agenda, but in a very different way.
