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Former President Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden arrived at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City Saturday morning for Pope Francis’ funeral.
The 82-year-old, who met Pope Francis three times as vice president, held onto his wife and a priest as he cautiously walked down the stairs to the seating area.
The Bidens are not sitting near President Donald Trump as they are not current heads of state. Instead, they are sitting further back in the foreign dignitaries section.
Biden was the second Roman Catholic to serve in the White House, behind John F. Kennedy.
As vice president he led the US delegation to Pope Francis’ inauguration in March 2013.
The two met during the pontiff’s visit to Washington DC when Francis addressed a joint session of Congress and Biden was sat behind the Catholic Church leader inside the Capitol.
Biden last met with Pope Francis during a trip to Italy in June 2024 for the G7 summit.
Biden was snapped taking a selfie with another mourner before the funeral service began at 10 a.m.
The former commander in chief paid tribute to Francis after his death Monday.
“He was unlike any who came before him.
“Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him,” he continued.
“He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church,” he continued.
“He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love,” Biden said.
English (US)