During a Friday meeting in Vatican City, Pope Francis told Biden that he should continue receiving communion despite his pro-abortion stance and policies.
Following the hour-and-a-half meeting as part of his trip for the G20 summit, Biden told the press that the Pope blessed his rosary and celebrated his Catholicism. He added that they discussed fighting climate change as part of the Build Back Better agenda.
“We just talked about the fact that he was happy I’m a good Catholic,” Biden said. “And I should keep receiving communion.”
A second meeting with Biden, cardinals and White House aides followed shortly after the one-on-one meeting.
Biden gave Pope Francis a “challenge coin.”
“I’m not sure this is appropriate, but there is a tradition in America that the president, that he gives to warriors and leaders,” Biden said, per Fox News. “You are the most significant warrior for peace I’ve ever met, and I’d like to be able to give you a coin.”
“I know my son would want me to give this to you,” he added, referring to his son Beau who passed away in 2015.
“Tradition, is and I’m kidding, next time I see you, if you don’t have it, you have to buy the drinks,” Biden joked. “I’m the only Irish man you’ve ever met who has never had a drink.”
