Pope in ‘cordial’ meeting with Antony Blinken amid US bishops’ row over abortion

Pope Francis talks with US secretary ofsState Antony Blinken, (Vatican Media/PA)

Pope Francis voiced affection for the American people as he met at length with the US secretary of state, the Vatican said, without indicating whether the two discussed the sharp divide among US bishops over giving communion to politicians supporting abortion rights like President Joe Biden.

The pontiff accorded Secretary of State Antony Blinken a substantial chunk of time, especially in view of a government official who is not a national leader.