Pope Francis congratulates Joe Biden, stepping into political fray

Name: Pope Francis shows support for same-sex civil unions in new documentary Francesco
Uploaded: 2020-11-12T20:56:55.000Z
Duration: 2 min 42 s
Description: Pope Francis shows support for same-sex civil unions in new documentary Francesco

Pontiff offers ‘blessings’ to US president-elect in phone call, after four years of clashes with Trump on China, climate change, immigration and other issues

Biden has drawn fire from fellow American Catholics for his views on abortion rights

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Pope Francis, with then US Vice-President Joe Biden, waves from the US Capitol balcony in September 2015. Photo: AFP

Reuters

Published: 4:56am, 13 Nov 2020Updated: 4:56am, 13 Nov 2020

Pope Francis offered his “blessings and congratulations” to US President-elect Joe Biden in a phone call on Thursday, seeking to rebuild rapport with Washington after four years of sometimes contentious relations with President Donald Trump.

The conversation was announced by the transition team for Biden, who will become only the second Roman Catholic president in US history when he enters the White House on January 20. Trump has yet to concede and is pursuing legal challenges.

Francis has clashed with Trump on a number of issues, including China, climate change, Cuba and immigration.

“The president-elect thanked His Holiness for extending blessings and congratulations and noted his appreciation for His Holiness’ leadership in promoting peace, reconciliation, and the common bonds of humanity around the world,” the transition team said in a statement.

02:42

Pope Francis shows support for same-sex civil unions in new documentary Francesco

“[Biden] expressed his desire to work together on the basis of a shared belief in the dignity and equality of all humankind on issues such as caring for the marginalised and the poor, addressing the crisis of climate change, and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities,” it said.