US, Vatican Hold Talks In Wake Of Bishops' Challenge To Biden Over Abortion

Anthony Blinken's visit to Vatican comes after US Roman Catholic bishops voted to draft a statement on Communion that may admonish Catholic politicians who support a woman's right to abortion despite opposing the practice personally.

Pope Francis on Monday held talks with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who was visiting the Vatican in the wake of a decision by American Catholic bishops that could lead to them denying Communion to President Joe Biden. Blinken is the highest-ranking Biden administration official the pontiff has met since the inauguration in January. He held private talks with Pope Francis in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace after having a separate meeting with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister. There was no immediate word on the details of the talks but Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the atmosphere was cordial.