“I’m the only Irishman you’ve ever met who’s never had a drink” – Joe Biden jokes to Pope

The two leaders shared a cheerful exchange.

US President Joe Biden has again referenced his Irish heritage, this time when speaking with Pope Francis. The President met with the Pope in the Vatican ahead of a G20 summit in Rome this weekend, during which he said he was the "only Irishman" the pontiff has met "who's never had a drink". At the meeting, Biden presented a commemorative coin to Pope Francis, which he stated is given to "warriors and leaders". "You are the most significant warrior for peace I've ever met," the President told the pontiff. The coin included references to the state of Delaware, which Biden represented in the US Senate from 1973 to 2009, as well as the military unit his late son Beau served with. "Now the tradition is - and I'm only kidding about this - if next time I see you and you don't have it, you have to buy the drinks," the President said. Biden, who has links in Mayo and Louth and has said in the past he does not consume alcohol at all, added jokingly: "I'm the only Irishman you've ever met who's never had a drink." With the pair speaking through a translator and clasping hands, the pontiff replied: "The Irish people brought whisky," provoking laughs from those present. Earlier this year, Biden referenced his Irish ancestors' journey to America, stating he stands "on the shoulders" of their sacrifices. He made the comments during a ceremony welcoming 21 newly sworn-in citizens to the United States.