Former President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, made a poignant appearance at the funeral of Pope Francis, a leader Biden greatly admired, the New York Post reported.
Both attended the solemn event at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City on a Saturday morning, marking the passing of a pontiff they both respected deeply.
The Bidens arrived at the sacred venue where the funeral service was to commence at 10 a.m. Surrounded by an atmosphere of mourning and reverence, Joe Biden, now 82 years old, reflected on the legacy of the pontiff. His connections with Pope Francis were established through numerous encounters over the years.
Biden’s relationship with Pope Francis was built over three meetings during his tenure as vice president of the United States. Notably, he led the U.S. delegation during the Pope's inauguration in March 2013. This marked the start of a series of interactions between the two prominent figures.
Their paths crossed again when Pope Francis made an impactful visit to Washington, D.C., addressing a joint session of Congress. This meeting left a lasting impression on the former President, who saw in the Pope a leader unlike any other before him.
Biden’s last direct interaction with Pope Francis occurred in June 2024 during the G7 summit in Italy. These interactions underscored the shared respect and mutual understanding between them, enhanced by their Roman Catholic faith.
During the funeral proceedings, Biden made his way to the seating area with the help of his wife, Jill, and a priest. As they are not current heads of state, the Bidens were seated further back in the section designated for foreign dignitaries.
This seating arrangement kept them separate from President Donald Trump, highlighting the different obligations and statuses of former and current officials. Despite this, Biden participated deeply in the reminiscing and honoring of the Pope's legacy.
In an interaction with others gathered at the square, Biden demonstrated his approachable nature. He was seen capturing the moment with a selfie alongside another mourner, blending solemnity with memory-making.
Upon learning of Pope Francis' passing, Biden articulated his thoughts on the Pope's influential life. He remarked that Pope Francis "was unlike any who came before him," giving voice to the deep inspiration he drew from the Pope’s life and work.
Biden emphasized that Pope Francis would be remembered as a leader of profound consequence. "He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church," Biden noted, expressing the inclusive vision that Francis represented for many.
The former President praised the Pope’s dedication to promoting equity and his relentless pursuit to end global poverty and suffering. Biden regarded him as a beacon of faith, describing him as "the People’s Pope" who championed hope and love globally.
As a Roman Catholic leader, Pope Francis had a notable impact on Biden, himself only the second Catholic to hold the office of President of the United States, after John F. Kennedy. This shared faith forged a bond that transcended their political roles.
The former President’s words encapsulated what many across the world felt: Pope Francis was fundamentally a Pope for all. His ability to reach across societal divides and offer solace made him a pivotal religious and moral leader.
Overall, the event at Saint Peter’s Square was not just a farewell but a celebration of the enduring legacy left behind by Pope Francis. Biden’s acknowledgment of this legacy ensures that the Pope’s principles continue to resonate throughout the global Catholic community.
