Pope Francis congratulates Biden, discusses addressing climate change and welcoming immigrants in 1st call

President-elect Joe Biden is set to be the second Catholic U.S. president, and fittingly, talked with Pope Francis on Thursday about the "shared beliefs" that Biden plans to adhere to during his presidency.

The pope extended "blessings and congratulations" to Biden, and in turn, Biden thanked him for "promoting peace, reconciliation, and the common bonds of humanity around the world," a readout of the call details. Biden then told Pope Francis he'd like to work together to promote their "shared belief in the dignity and equality of all humankind," particularly by "caring for the marginalized," "addressing the crisis of climate change," and "welcoming" immigrants and refugees to the U.S.

While Pope Francis may have recognized Biden's win, President Trump and most GOP lawmakers still haven't. In fact, as Axios notes, more foreign leaders have publicly congratulated Biden than Republican senators.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up