Former President Joe Biden made his first public appearance Saturday since his son, Hunter Biden, shared details about his father's ongoing battle with cancer. The elder Biden was seen in Wilmington, Delaware, walking to his car after attending Mass at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church, accompanied by Secret Service agents.
Hunter Biden recently described his father's condition as "painful and debilitating" in an interview, stating that the cancer had spread and "metastasized into his bones and further." He expressed that it has become "really sad to watch" as his 83-year-old father continues to manage the disease.
During his appearance, the former president wore a blue button-down shirt under a light blue jacket and tan slacks. He was observed speaking with other parishioners as he departed the church and appeared to smile while entering his vehicle. Biden is known to regularly attend Catholic mass in his home state.
Last year, Joe Biden revealed his cancer diagnosis in May, less than four months after leaving the White House. Hunter Biden noted that the diagnosis has been challenging for the family, with the former president being described as the "center of our family" and their "rock."
Earlier this year, former First Lady Jill Biden stated that her husband would "live with cancer the rest of his life," acknowledging that the metastasis to his bones made the situation different from a potentially curable prostate cancer diagnosis. Joe Biden has previously undergone radiation and hormone treatments, as well as surgery to remove cancerous skin cells in September of the previous year.
Despite his health challenges, Hunter Biden indicated that his father remains engaged, publicly discussing issues he deems important. "He's still doing his thing," he said. "He so believes in this country."
Joe Biden's age was a frequent topic of concern during his presidency, as he was the oldest individual to serve as U.S. president. Reports have indicated that his inner circle had concerns about him showing signs of fatigue from cancer treatment while maintaining public appearances. Some former officials and a Democratic source told The Washington Post in February that Biden sometimes appeared more tired in private interactions following his health announcements. However, another source at the time described Biden as remaining "encouraged and positive about his prognosis given his positive response to treatment."