Biden says his faith is a 'safe place'

Joe Biden says church is a "safe place" he enjoys going to because it gives him time to "be alone". 

The US president - only the second Catholic to hold office after John F Kennedy - talked about his faith in a recent interview with People magazine. 

He said he never misses mass and that prayer is an important part of his faith. 

"I don't want to proselytize. My religion, for me, is a safe place," he said.

"I never miss mass, because I can be alone.

"I mean, I'm with my family, but just kind of absorbing the fundamental principle that you've got to treat everyone with dignity."

He said his wife Jill leaves inspirational messages for him on the mirror to read when he shaves. One that he especially enjoyed was the "great quote" from Danish philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard - "Faith sees best in the dark."

"Other people may meditate. For me, prayer gives me hope, and it centers me," Biden said. 

Despite his personal commitment to his faith, Biden has angered Catholic leaders over his abortion stance. 

Last month, Catholic bishops in the US criticized his decision to restore federal funding to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood and Marie Stopes International. 

"It is the policy of my administration to support women's and girls' sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States, as well as globally," said Biden in the memorandum.

"These excessive conditions on foreign and development assistance undermine the United States' efforts to advance gender equality globally by restricting our ability to support women's health and programs that prevent and respond to gender-based violence."

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.