US President Joe Biden will travel to Rome in January to meet with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the White House said of the trip, which will take place shortly before Biden's term ends, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Biden will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during the visit from January 9 to 12, White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
"President Biden will have an audience with the pope and discuss efforts to strengthen world peace," she said, adding that he will speak about "the important challenges facing the world" with Meloni.
Meanwhile, Biden spoke by phone with Pope Francis yesterday.
"The President thanked the Pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to promote human rights and protect religious freedoms," a separate statement said.
Biden's presidency ends on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.