The Vatican has taken the first main step to implement Pope Francis’ wish that Belgium’s late king be beatified.

“The president thanked the pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms,” the statement read. “President Biden also graciously accepted His Holiness Pope Francis’ invitation to visit the Vatican next month.”

One week after the opening ceremonies of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which he chose not to attend, the pope will travel to Corsica for a religious conference. This third trip to the country once again illustrates Francis' paradoxical relationship with France.

President Joe Biden is expected to see Pope Francis on what is likely to be the last overseas trip of his presidency, three unnamed sources familiar with the matter told The Associated Press (AP) in a story published Thursday. The trip is scheduled for next month, according to the sources.

The White House announced that President Joe Biden will head to Italy early next month for a public meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City. During the trip he will also hold meetings with Italy's Prime Minister and President.

Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop to a Texas-based diocese who will replace a theologically conservative critic of the pontiff removed from office last year.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce soon that he will visit the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis next month for what would likely be the final international trip of his presidency

Joe Biden's visit with Pope Francis will be part of a three-day trip to Italy in January, likely the last international trip of Biden's presidency.

The Vatican has taken the first main step to implement Pope Francis ... is long behind us.” Francis has strongly backed the Catholic Church’s opposition to abortion and long equated it ...

The Vatican has taken the first main step to implement Pope Francis' wish that Belgium's late king be beatified for having abdicated for a day rather than approve legislation to legalize abortion. Des

ROME — The Vatican has taken the first main step to implement Pope Francis’ wish that Belgium ... rather than approve legislation to legalize abortion. The Holy See’s saint-making office ...

In his Angelus address on Dec. 26, Pope Francis reflected on Stephen’s last words as he was being stoned to death: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”