It was clear to officials and media in Rome that Mr Biden came to the Vatican not as a penitent to confess to the pope but as the president of the United States of America to discuss questions of immense global importance with the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, of whom he is a great admirer.

Following the meeting, the White House said: ‘Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world's poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution.

‘He lauded Pope Francis' leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.'

The Vatican issued the following statement when the president had left the city-state, it said:

"During the course of the cordial discussions, the Parties focused on the joint commitment to the protection and care of the planet, the healthcare situation and the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the theme of refugees and assistance to migrants."

It added that "reference was also made to the protection of human rights, including freedom of religion and conscience."

The statement concluded: "the talks enabled an exchange of views on some matters regarding the current international situation, also in the context of the imminent G20 summit in Rome, and on the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation."

They met in the same library where the pope had met with Biden's two predecessors, Donald Trump, for 30 minutes, and Barack Obama, for 52 minutes.

The length of the meeting was a sign that the two leaders had a more in-depth discussion than observers had expected.

The friendly atmosphere was evident from the videos released by the Vatican after the visit. They showed the two men joking with each other; like old friends.

President Biden was accompanied by his wife, Jill, and a delegation of 10 other people that included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the Charges d'affaires of the United States Embassy to the Holy See, Patrick Connell.

On a controversial note, a video has emerged showing President Biden travelling through the streets of Rome in an 85 vehicle motorcade.

The footage prompted some to point out the irony of Biden's entourage containing so many vehicles when one of the main objectives of his trip is to discuss cutting emissions.

Michael Robinson Chavez, a Washington Post photographer, said: ‘Not exactly carbon-friendly.'

Sources

• America Magazine
• Religion News Service
• National Catholic Reporter
• Metro

The Holy See Press Office called their discussions "cordial" and said they spoke about "the good relations and fruitful collaboration between the Holy See and Germany".

They also discussed climate change and ways the world can work multilaterally to combat poverty, hunger and terrorism, in advance of the next G20 summit, Merkel said.

The summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany on 7-8 July.

Merkel said the pope encouraged her to work to preserve the Paris climate accord, despite her disappointment about US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the agreement.

She also said she and Francis agree they'd love to see the world tear down walls and fight for international treaties, with a special emphasis on the plight in Africa.

During the course of their discussions, Francis and Merkel also spoke of Chancellor Helmut Kohl who died on Friday.

He told her he sent a telegram to the Kohl family saying:

"I would like to express my condolences to your family members and to you and to all the German people who empathize with the ‘Chancellor of the Unity,'" he said.

"Chancellor Kohl, who is a great and trusted European man, has worked with foresight and dedication for the good of people in Germany and in the neighboring European countries."

Written in German, the telegram also stated the Pope's wish that the "Merciful God" will reward him "for his tireless efforts in favor of unity of Germany and the union of Europe, as well as for his commitment to peace and reconciliation."

Later Merkel and Francis exchanged gifts. She gave Francis some of his favourite sweets and CDs of Beethoven's works.

Merkel received German language editions of "The Joy of the Gospel," "The Joy of Love" and Francis's encyclical "Laudato Si': on the care of our common home."

Source

• America
• Catholic News Agency
• Vatican Radio
• Independent
• Daily Mail
• Image: suddeutsche.de