The telephone conversation between Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden on 22 October 2023 was a significant event reflecting both leaders’ commitment to peace and international cooperation.
The Vatican statement confirming the conversation noted that the main theme was “conflict situations in the world and the need to find ways of peace”. This is a reflection of the two leaders’ shared concern about ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere.
Pope Francis has been a strong advocate for peace and diplomacy and has repeatedly called for a cessation of violence in Ukraine. President Biden has also expressed his commitment to peace in Ukraine, and has provided arms and humanitarian assistance to the country.
In addition to the war in Ukraine, the telephone conversation also touched on other issues of mutual interest, such as climate change, migration, and sustainable development. These are issues on which the Holy See and the United States have worked together in the past, and are likely to continue to do so in the future.
Overall, the telephone conversation between Pope Francis and President Biden was a positive step in promoting peace and international cooperation. It is a testament to both leaders’ commitment to these values and is likely to have a positive impact on the world.
The appeal at the Angelus
Yesterday at the Angelus, the Pontiff, with his reflections on Israel and Palestine, had relaunched the call to silence the guns. Declaring himself saddened by the terrible attacks in recent days on the Anglican hospital and the Greek Orthodox parish, he called for humanitarian aid to continue to arrive and for the hostages to be released. War, every war in the world,” the Pope said, referring also to “tormented Ukraine”, “is a defeat. War is always a defeat, it is the destruction of human brotherhood, brothers, stop it! Enough!
