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JOE Biden is the second Catholic president in office following his inauguration on January 20, 2021. 

In November 2020 the Pope congratulated Biden on his election win as he looked forward to working with the new president to promote dignity and equality. 

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The Pope called Joe Biden to congratulate him for winning the election
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The Pope called Joe Biden to congratulate him for winning the electionCredit: Reuters

Is Joe Biden Catholic? 

Joe Biden, 78, identifies as a devout Catholic.

On Election Day, Biden began his day by attending Mass and visiting the graves of his son, Beau, and his first wife Neilia and infant daughter Naomi.

He was also spotted at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware attending Mass with his daughter Ashley and grandson Hunter.

Biden and his wife Jill attended Mass on Election Day
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Biden and his wife Jill attended Mass on Election DayCredit: AFP or licensors

Following the Mass, he went to visit his family member’s graves yet again. 

Biden has been vocal about his faith during his campaign a few times, and when he addressed the nation during his victory speech, he attributed a quote he lives by which sustains his faith. 

He referred to the Catholic hymn On Eagles' Wings saying: “And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand."

Joe Biden also visited the graves of his family and paid a tribute to them
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Joe Biden also visited the graves of his family and paid a tribute to themCredit: The Mega Agency

Joe Biden also mentioned the hymn meant alot to his son Beau and family.

Many Catholic priests, like James J. Martin SJ, praised Biden for being so open about his faith tweeting: “The surprise 'On Eagles' Wings' reference by @JoeBiden, which made my phone buzz like crazy, made me realize: this means four years of not only a Catholic president, but an injection of #Catholic culture into our national conversation in a way probably not seen since JFK," Martin wrote.

Biden thanked the Pope for 'promoting peace'
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Biden thanked the Pope for 'promoting peace'Credit: Reuters

Sr. Simone Campbell, an American Roman Catholic Religious Sister, lawyer and activist, also tweeted about Biden saying: "Congratulations to my friend, and our President-elect, Joseph R. Biden! I look forward to working with you and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to create a more perfect union."

"Glad that our nation has picked @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to lead us into a new chapter," Campbell's tweet continued.

Biden is a devout Catholic and has been opened about his faith
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Biden is a devout Catholic and has been opened about his faithCredit: AFP or licensors

What did Pope Francis say about his presidency? 

Pope Francis congratulated Biden saying on a call for his victory in the election.

Biden, in turn, thanked Pope Francis for “extending blessings and congratulations” while praising the pope for his leadership in “promoting peace, reconciliation and the common bonds of humanity around the world.”

He will be the second Catholic president ever
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He will be the second Catholic president everCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Additionally, the Biden transition team put out a statement that read, “The president-elect expressed his desire to work together on the basis of a shared belief in the dignity and equality of all humankind on issues such as caring for the marginalized and the poor.

“Addressing the crisis of climate change, and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities,” said the statement.

The Biden transition team said the president-elect is looking forward to working together with the pope
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The Biden transition team said the president-elect is looking forward to working together with the popeCredit: Reuters

What other presidents have been catholic?

So far, there has only been one other Catholic US president.

John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic president in the US
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John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic president in the USCredit: Getty Images - Getty

John F. Kennedy has been the only Catholic, aside from Biden to be elected president.

At the time, many Protestants were wary of Kennedy’s religious views as they thought it would affect America’s interests to the loyalty of the Catholic church. 

Kennedy addressed the nation in regards to his faith saying: “I believe in a president whose religious views are his own private affair, neither imposed by him upon the nation, or imposed by the nation upon him as a condition to holding that office."

Kennedy addressed the nation about his religion saying that his views are a 'private affair'
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Kennedy addressed the nation about his religion saying that his views are a 'private affair' Credit: Getty - Contributor

Is Jill Biden Catholic?

Like her husband, the First Lady Jill Biden also identifies as a Roman Catholic. Jill and Joe Biden were married by a Catholic priest in //www.the-sun.com/where/delaware/1977.

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Unlike Joe Biden, Jill was not raised Catholic. She was confirmed at age 16, at a Presbyterian Church.

The couple has regularly attended Sunday morning Catholic Mass together in Delaware.

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