First Lady Jill Biden was dressed conservatively in a textured black suit to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican today, topping off her outfit with a traditional Catholic veil, or mantilla.
The 70-year-old looked polished in her patterned black and navy blazer and below-the-knee skirt as she was pictured arriving at the San Damaso Courtyard on Friday before posing for photos with the Pope inside the Vatican.
Although Dr. Biden never claimed to be Catholic, she regularly attends Mass alongside President Joe Biden.
Dr. Biden chose a black outfit and covered her hair with a black lacy mantilla to show respect for the Pope. This is a way to show piety in the presence God.
Accessorized with pointed-toe pumps, gold bracelets and one of her favorite shimmering brooches. Finally, she added a fun fashion touch to the outfit with some nude tights in textured fishnet-style.

First Lady Jill Biden wore a conservative black suit and a traditional Catholic veil to meet Pope Francis at Vatican today.

The 70-year old looked polished in her patterned black blazer and navy skirt. She paired it with textured fishnet-style nude tights.

She was seen arriving at the San Damaso Courtyard Friday, before taking photos with the Pope in the Vatican.

Dr. Biden wore a black dress and covered her hair with a black lac mantilla to show respect for the Pope.

The veil serves many purposes. It covers a woman’s physical beauty so that God’s beauty may be glorified.

She accessorized with a pair pointed-toe pumps and gold bracelets as well as one of her favorite sparkling brooches.
Dr. Biden follows in the footsteps of many first ladies who have come before her — both Catholic and non-Catholic — who have donned the veil while meeting the Pope at the Vatican.
Melania Trump, who does identify as Catholic, wore one for a Vatican visit in 2017, as did former first daughter Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism upon marrying Jared Kushner.
Michelle Obama (Reformed), Laura Bush (Methodist), Hillary Clinton (Methodist), and Nancy Regan (Presbyterian) all wore them as well.
Barbara Bush (Episcopalian) wore her own version of a black lace head-topper in 1991, while Rosalynn Carter (Baptist) donned a black hat for her 1976 visit.
A mantilla is a standard dress for women who meet the Pope, but they are also worn by Catholic women for other religious occasions.

The veil serves two purposes: to portray Mary, ‘the archetype in purity and humility’; and to show’reverence while in the presence God’.

Mantillas were once required by women who attended Mass. But, since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), these are now encouraged.


Dr. Biden wore a mostly black suit with a textured fabric which looked a bit navy under certain lighting conditions.

The Bidens are seen arriving at the Vatican from behind. Dr. Biden appears wearing nude fishnet stockings along with her suit

Black clothing and a veil may be appropriate for women who meet the Pope, but the official dress code for papal audiences is more casual.

The dress must be casual but modest. Women can wear trousers, capris and skirts as well as dresses. But bottoms must reach the knee and shoulders must be covered.

The Bidens visited the Vatican with Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of tomorrow’s G20 leaders summit.
The veil serves several purposes, including covering a woman’s physical beauty ‘so that the beauty of God may be glorified instead,’ according to Catholic Company.
It also serves as a model for Mary, ‘the archetype in purity and humility’, and to show’reverence & piety while in God’s presence.
Black lace is worn only by widowed or married women, while young girls and unmarried women wear white lace.
Mantillas used to be required for women attending Mass; however, since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), they are just encouraged.
While black clothing and a veil are considered appropriate for women meeting the Pope, the official dress code for a papal audience is less detailed.
A ‘casual, but modest’ dress is required. For women, this can include trousers, capri pants, skirts, and dresses, though bottoms must be knee length and shoulders must be covered.

Dr. Biden follows in the footsteps of many first ladies who have come before her — both Catholic and non-Catholic — who have donned the veil while meeting the Pope at the Vatican

Melania Trump, who is Catholic, wore one to the Vatican visit with Pope Francis in 2017.

Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism when she married Jared Kushner. She also wore a veil. She picked a large, bold version.

Michelle Obama wore one to meet with Pope Benedict XVI in 2009

Michelle was raised United Methodist but as an adult, she joined a Reformed church.
The Bidens visited the Vatican with Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of tomorrow’s G20 leaders summit.
They were photographed being greeted by Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza outside, where Dr. Biden smiled at them and shook their hands.
They then moved in for a talk and to exchanging gifts in the papal library.
According to the Vatican’s records, the private meeting between the President of the United States and the Pope lasted about one hour and fifteen minutes. After that, another 15 minutes were taken for photos and gifts exchange.
Biden was supposed to spend an hour with the Pontiff, but he got 30 minutes more. In 2017, Francis met then President Donald Trump and in 2014, Francis spent 52 minutes with then President Barack Obama.
Biden is the second-ever Catholic president. He was elected 50 years after John F. Kennedy was elected the first Catholic president.

Laura Bush, who is Methodist, is pictured meeting Pope Benedict XVI in 2006

Barbara, her daughter, did not wear a veil at all, possibly because she was unmarried.

For a 1994 meeting with Pope Jean Paul II, Hillary Clinton wore black lace around her head.

In 1991, Barbara Bush, the elder, met Pope John Paul II. She wore a small, black hat instead of a veil for the occasion.

Nancy Reagan wore a veil in 1987 to meet Pope John Paul II
Biden presented Pope Francis a 1930 handwoven Chasuble from Holy Trinity Church, DC, during their meeting. The White House will donate winter clothing to charities in honor of World Day for the Poor, according to a note.
According to the White House’s statement, Biden acknowledged Pope Francis’ leadership on combating climate change and his advocacy to end the pandemic through vaccine sharing, equitable global economic recovery, and praised Pope Francis for his leadership in combating the crisis.
“It’s good that you’re back,” the president said to one of the Papal gentlemen when he arrived at the Holy See. He also said, “I’m Jill’s husband,” which is another of his signature greetings.
Parts of the meeting were to be broadcast live on TV, but the Vatican has stated that it will release edited footage once the talks have concluded.
Biden arrived for the meeting — his fourth with Francis but first since becoming President — in a huge 85-car motorcade carrying his security detail. Italian COVID rules stipulate that each vehicle can carry only four people.