Biden to meet Pope Francis, Mattarella, Meloni in January

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 20 - US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill will be in Rome from January 9 to January 12 to meet with Pope Francis, President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Giorgia Meloni, the White House has said. Biden will meet with Pope Francis on January 10.
    A White House spokesperson said that, during the trip, which will take place shortly before his term in office ends, Biden will meet with Italian leaders to highlight the strength of relations between the United States and Italy and to thank Premier Meloni for her strong leadership of the Group of Seven.
    Biden spoke on the phone with Pope Francis on Thursday and their upcoming meeting will focus on efforts to advance peace around the world, according to the White House.
    "The President thanked the pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms", the White House said.
    (ANSA).