Why Joe Biden Carries His Late Son’s Rosary

Joe Biden’s Catholicism isn’t a campaign-season talking point – it’s a weekly habit that outlets from VOA News to the National Catholic Reporter have tracked across his decades in public life, down to which specific parish he attends depending on which city he’s in.

Only the Second Catholic President

Biden is only the second Roman Catholic to hold the U.S. presidency, after John F. Kennedy. At his inauguration, a Jesuit priest delivered the invocation, and he has repeatedly worshipped at the same Georgetown church JFK once attended.

Beau’s Rosary

Biden is often seen carrying a rosary that belonged to his late son, Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015. Aides and reporters have described him pulling the beads from his pocket during quiet moments, including in Oval Office meetings, walking his fingers down them while praying.

Mass “Almost Every Weekend”

According to VOA News reporting, Biden attends Mass almost without fail on weekends – Holy Trinity Catholic Church when he’s in Washington, St. Joseph on the Brandywine when he’s home in Wilmington, Delaware. He has described the practice directly: “For me, my religion is an enormous sense of solace.”

“On Eagle’s Wings” and St. Augustine

Biden has woven Catholic references into his biggest political moments, citing the hymn “On Eagle’s Wings” in his 2020 victory speech and quoting St. Augustine in his inaugural address – choices reporters covering his faith have noted as more than symbolic, reflecting hymns and texts he’s leaned on personally for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Joe Biden a practicing Catholic?
Yes. He attends Mass on most weekends and holy days at his home parish or at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown, and has spoken publicly about the personal comfort his faith provides.

Whose rosary does Joe Biden carry?
He often carries a rosary that belonged to his late son, Beau Biden, who died in 2015.