Biden cancels trip to Italy and meeting with Pope Francis amid deadly California wildfires

[Michie]

President Joe Biden has canceled his upcoming visit to Italy — what would have been the final diplomatic trip of his presidency and which included a planned meeting with Pope Francis — in order to address the ongoing deadly wildfires in Southern California.

Biden was set to travel to Rome from Jan. 9–12 at Pope Francis’ invitation. His audience with the Holy Father was set for Jan. 10.

In a statement this week, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that after returning from Los Angeles where he met with officials fighting the ongoing blazes, Biden “made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy.”

The president canceled the trip “to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead,” Jean-Pierre said.

The president’s planned meeting with the pope was set to focus on efforts to advance peace around the world. Biden was also scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Continued below.

Biden cancels trip to Italy and meeting with Pope Francis

Biden was set to travel to Rome from Jan. 9–12 at Pope Francis’ invitation. His audience with the Holy Father was set for Jan. 10.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[prodromos]

Are they sure it wasn't cancelled for another reason, such as the birth of someone's grandson?

 

[Michie]

A president’s choice of farewell is often more about symbolism than substance — a final effort to underscore priorities and help shape the narrative of a legacy.

Continued below.

Biden’s Scrapped Vatican Trip Highlights Symbolism of Farewell Diplomacy

COMMENTARY: A president’s choice of farewell is often more about symbolism than substance — a final effort to underscore priorities and help shape the narrative of a legacy.

www.ncregister.com

 

[RileyG]

Are they sure it wasn't cancelled for another reason, such as the birth of someone's grandson?

Also could be. Plus Biden is elderly.