Biden Will Meet With Pope Francis in the Final Days of his Presidency

President Joe Biden will meet with Pope Francis in January, likely the president's final international trip just days before he leaves the Oval Office, the White House announced on Thursday.

Biden accepted Francis' invitation to visit the Vatican during a Thursday phone call with the pope, the White House said in a statement. The two men have met several times.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that Biden's visit to Rome will take place from January 9th to 12th, adding that Biden will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

During Biden's conversation with the pope, the two men discussed "efforts to advance peace around the world," according to the White House.

"The President thanked the pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms," said a White House readout of the leaders' call.

Before the White House's official announcement, reporters asked Biden as he departed Marine One whether he planned to visit with the pope in January, a trip first reported by the Associated Press.