President Joe Biden has told a Catholic priest “many serious matters” were discussed at this year’s G7 summit.
He and First Lady Jill Biden attended morning Mass in Cornwall on the final day of the gathering of world leaders (see post 10.35).
Father Philip Dyson said he had not been given advance warning that the president and his wife would be joining them for the service.
“We realised people were coming with security so I thought maybe the president would be coming along so we just welcomed him,” he said.
He admitted he was slightly nervous while conducting the service.
“It’s the President of the United States of America,” he said. “It’s a great occasion to welcome him into our parish, into the church, and it’s lovely to know he made the time in his busy schedule in order to come to Mass.”
The priest added that he had managed to have a “quick word” with Mr Biden.
“I welcomed him to Cornwall and he said he was enjoying his time here and there were many serious matters they were discussing and just hope it’s going to come to fruition,” he said.
“I think the G7 has been such a great occasion. The scripture readings were appropriate because it was about creation and climate, and things growing, so it absolutely suited the occasion.”
