US President Joe Biden will travel to Italy to meet with Pope Francis in January 2025, just over a week before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The White House confirmed that Biden, the second Catholic president of the US, will visit the pontiff from January 9 to 12 to discuss global efforts to advance peace.

The announcement came after a telephone conversation between Pope Francis and Biden, during which they discussed "efforts to advance peace around the world during the holiday season," according to the White House, as quoted as saying by Catholic News Agency.

"The President thanked the pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms," White House said.

"President Biden also graciously accepted His Holiness Pope Francis' invitation to visit the Vatican next month," it added.

During his trip, Biden is also scheduled to meet with Italy's president Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to commend their leadership of the G7 over the past year.

The G7 Summit is an annual meeting of government leaders from the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and Italy.

Biden last met with Pope Francis in June of this year to discuss foreign policy in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, as well as the need for a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza.

The outgoing US President also thanked Pope Francis for the Vatican's work to address the humanitarian concerns and climate change.