Biden Set to Mourn: President Heads to Pope Francis' Funeral

( The Hill Former President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, are anticipated to be present at an event with Pope Francis. funeral in Rome On Saturday, a representative for Biden told NewsNation On Friday, this was announced by The Hill’s affiliated station.

Biden, serving as the nation’s second Roman Catholic president following ex-President John F. Kennedy, met with On multiple instances since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis has, a private A one-on-one meeting between them occurred in 2021, several months following the previous Democratic president's inauguration.

"He stood apart from all who preceded him," said Biden. wrote in a post on the social media site X mere hours following the pope died On Monday, "Primarily, he was a pope for everybody. He was the people's pope—a beacon of faith, hope, and love."

The pioneering Catholic figure renowned for his work in human rights and incisive political commentary passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, residing in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He had been battling numerous health issues due to a persistent lung condition over an extended period before succumbing to his illness. the Vatican announced. .

Trump and first lady to attend Pope Francis' funeral

The pope was first admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis. contracted pneumonia Four days afterward, he stayed in critical condition for several more days. Although he didn't completely recover, he then experienced a stroke that resulted in a coma; eventually, his heart gave out, as reported by authorities.

President Donald Trump along with First Lady Melania Trump are also among world leaders anticipated to be present at the event funeral Saturday morning . The president ordered flags at half-mast earlier this week to commemorate the pope.

Francis is the most recent pope to pass away while still in office after two decades, since Pope John Paul II died in 2005. Following his death, the procedure for selecting a successor will commence. wrought with tradition .

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