Pope Francis on Joe Biden

Pope Francis has engaged in direct communication with Joe Biden, including congratulating him upon his election victory and later speaking with him by telephone. This diplomatic engagement reflects the Holy See's standard protocol toward the leader of the United States, regardless of political affiliation. The Pope has also received the outgoing president at the Vatican, indicating a continued willingness to interact with the sitting head of state.

However, the Pope's pastoral stance is noted for its critical distance concerning the President's public support for abortion rights, which he has described as an "incoherence." This position highlights a tension where diplomatic courtesy toward the office of the presidency exists alongside the pontiff's strong theological opposition to policies he views as contradicting Catholic moral teaching. The relationship is thus characterized by a necessary public respect balanced against firm private doctrinal disagreement.