Remarks by President Biden Before Meeting with Prime Minister Draghi of the Italian Republic

Chigi Palace
Rome, Italy

4:22 P.M. CEST

Q    Mr. President, did the Pope bless your Rosary? 

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes. 

Q    Did you address (inaudible) climate and Build Back Better?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes. 

Q    What did you discuss about climate and Build Back Better with him?

THE PRESIDENT:  We have a half an hour.  I’ll talk to you later. 

About the need and the moral responsibility we have to deal with this.  That’s what we’re going talk about (inaudible) too.

PRIME MINISTER DRAGHI:  Yes.

Q    Mr. President, did the issue of abortion come up at all?

THE PRESIDENT:  No, it didn’t.  It came up — we just talked about the fact that he was happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving Communion.

Q    He said that you should be receiving Communion?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.

Q    Mr. Biden, did you take Communion today, Mr. President?  Did the Pope give you Communion today?

THE PRESIDENT:  No. 

Q    Did you discuss the U.S. Conference of Bishops?

THE PRESIDENT:  I beg your pardon?

Q    Did you discuss the Conference of Bishops?

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s a private conversation.

4:23 P.M. CEST