Readout of President Biden's Meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met with His Holiness Pope Francis today on the margins of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Apulia, Italy. The leaders emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a hostage deal to get the hostages home and address the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza. President Biden thanked Pope Francis for the Vatican's work to address the humanitarian impacts of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, including his efforts to help return kidnapped Ukrainian children to their families. President Biden also reaffirmed his deep appreciation for the Pope's tireless advocacy for the poor and those suffering from persecution, the effects of climate change, and conflict around the world.