January 1, Despite tensions, Pope tells Biden to ‘keep receiving Communion’

President Joe Biden and Pope Francis had a face-to-face meeting at the Vatican on Friday. Despite possible tension stemming from their differing views and the Pope canceling a live broadcast of their meeting, the two reportedly held extended and affable talks.

Biden said the contentious subject of abortion didn’t come up. “We just talked about the fact he was happy that I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving Communion,” Biden said.

Biden’s found himself at odds with many U.S. bishops for his support for abortion and same-sex marriage, with some suggesting he should be denied Communion. Bishops are due to debate a possible rebuke of the president at their annual fall conference in mid-November.

“Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution,” the White House said. “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.”

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Biden: Pope told me that I should ‘keep receiving Communion’