President Joe Biden joined world leaders Saturday in expressing condolences after the passing of Pope Benedict, who died at age 95, and sent sympathies to the family of the late television journalist Barbara Walters. 

'Jill and I join Catholics around the world, and so many others, in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,' Biden said in a statement. 'I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation.'

'He will be remembered as a renowned theologian, with a lifetime of devotion to the Church, guided by his principles and faith,' the president added.  

Later Saturday in an Instagram post, the president paid homage to Walters, who passed away Friday at the age of 93.  

'Barbara Walters has always been an example of bravery and truth - breaking barriers while driving our nation forward.  Her legacy will continue as an inspiration for all journalists,' he said. 'Jill and I send our deepest condolences to her daughter, Jacqueline, and to all of those who loved her.'

As vice president, Biden secretly met with Pope Benedict in June of 2011, during a trip to Rome. 

At the time, the Pope chose not to make an example of Biden - the country's first Catholic vice president - over his support of abortion rights, which is contrary to the church's teachings.

Their meeting was only known about because the White House later released a picture of the two men together. 

Benedict resigned as Pope - a move that shocked the world - in 2013. 

His successor, Pope Francis, met with Biden as president in October 2021, when the president was in Italy to meet with G20 leaders. 

Biden is only the country's second Catholic president and is a frequent churchgoer.  

In his statement Saturday, Biden quoted Benedict from the Pope's 2008 White House visit with then President Barack Obama: 'the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity.' 

'May his focus on the ministry of charity continue to be an inspiration to us all,' the president noted.   

The image Biden shared of Walters is from his February 2014 appearance on The View. 

During their sit-down, the vice president gave Walters a kiss and said he'd divulge his 2016 campaign plans if she stuck around. 

Walters was due to end her tenure at The View at the end of the season. 

'I'm not sure that's a deal I can agree to,' Walters said at the time. 

Biden's son Beau died the next year and he decided against running for president in 2016, clearing the way for the eventual Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. 

It took another four years for him to jump in the race - this time to take on now former President Donald Trump.   

The president, first lady, their daughter Ashley and her husband Howard Krein and their grandchildren Natalie and Hunter are spending the New Year's holiday at a three-bedroom luxury villa on St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Bidens arrived Tuesday and only stepped out publicly on Friday - with the president and Hunter playing a round of golf and then the Bidens and their grandchildren enjoying dinner at a top-rated restaurant in downtown Christiansted. 

The White House called a 'lid' around lunchtime Saturday, meaning the president won't be leaving the property, being borrowed from a top Democratic donor, on New Year's Eve. 

He's expected to depart the island for Washington on Monday, after ringing in the new year. 

He said Friday night departing the restaurant Savant that '2023 is going to be a good year.'