Biden heading to Vatican City next month to meet with Pope Francis, Meloni in final overseas trip

The White House announced that President Joe Biden will head to Italy next month for a public meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City before his term comes to an end.

Biden accepted the invitation to visit Vatican City during a phone call with Pope Francis Thursday, according to the White House. 

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that Biden would meet with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella during the overseas trip. The four-day trip is planned for the second week in January, and the meeting between Biden and Pope Francis will occur in front of an audience on Jan. 10. 

"President Biden will have an audience with the Pope and discuss efforts to advance peace around the world," Jean-Pierre said Thursday. "He will a...