Joe Biden's Vatican Meeting With Pope Francis Runs Into Overtime

LOADING ERROR LOADING VATICAN CITY — Sitting face to face across a desk, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis engaged in extended talks on climate change, poverty and the coronavirus pandemic Friday as the world’s two most prominent Roman Catholics ran overtime in highly personal discussions that also touched on the loss of president’s adult son and jokes about aging well. “He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.” Pope Francis meets with U.S. President Joe Biden during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 29, 2021, in Vatican City. Biden also presented the pope with what’s known as a challenge coin, passing it to the pope in the palm of his hand as they shared a handshake, hailing Francis as “the most significant warrior for peace I’ve ever met.” President Joe Biden, third right, prepares to leave after a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, on Oct. 29, 2021. via Associated Press Biden described his personalized coin features to the pope. Vatican Pool via Getty Images Biden’s meeting with Pope Francis generated some controversy in advance as the Vatican on Thursday abruptly canceled plans to broadcast the meeting with Biden live and denied press access.