"You are the greatest peace fighter I have ever known." Words of Joe Biden during the interview with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

The US president arrived in Rome for the G20 and was received by the Pope before the summit, in an interview that lasted an hour and a quarter.

During the face-to-face, Biden gave Bergoglio a coin with the US seal on one side and the coin of Delaware on the other, the state of which Beau Biden, the eldest son who died of cancer at age 49, had been governor. "My son would have liked you to have this coin," Biden said, adding, jokingly, "Tradition has it that if he doesn't have it at our next meeting, he'll have to pay for a drink."

At the center of the meeting in the Vatican, numerous themes: climate, Covid and migration.

"During the cordial talks, the focus was on the common commitment to the protection and care of the planet - the Holy See informs -, on the health situation and the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as on the issue of refugees and assistance to migrants. Reference was also made to the protection of human rights, including the right to freedom of religion and conscience ".

After the visit to the Vatican, Biden was received by President Mattarella. The head of state received him at the Quirinale, greeting him with a warm handshake.

Then, after the Colle, Palazzo Chigi, to meet Prime Minister Mario Draghi. On the table, in this case, in addition to the climate, also the Covid pandemic and relations between the US and the European Union.

(Unioneonline / lf)

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